Analysts note that in his first statement after assuming office, "Mojtaba Khamenei," Iran's new Supreme Leader, announced continued resistance against enemies and the use of the Strait of Hormuz as a pressure tool, reflecting a continuation of hardline policies.
On 12 Mar 1926 GMT+7, Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's new Supreme Leader, made his first statement via Press TV after taking office. He called on Iranians to unite during wartime, reaffirmed Iran's resolve to continue fighting its enemies, and warned that US bases in the region should be shut down immediately or else face attack.
The Iranian leader also stated that the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy transport route, will continue to be used as leverage against Iran’s enemies. He mentioned that allied armed groups in Yemen and Iraq might join in supporting Iran's fight.
Mojtaba Khamenei’s inaugural speech after assuming office is viewed as a key indicator of the Middle East war’s direction. Analysts say much of the content reflects the ideology, continuity, and resistance from his father's era.
However, the new Supreme Leader’s statement was broadcast by a news anchor rather than read by him personally, possibly reflecting health limitations and political role arrangements during wartime. Meanwhile, state security mechanisms, especially the IRGC, remain the main force driving Iran's current responses.
Meanwhile, a Middle East institute scholar told Al Jazeera that the new leader's speech focused more on continuing his father's policies than signaling change. Analysts believe that if Mojtaba Khamenei wants to project an image of future change, he will need to rely on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the main force in the ongoing war.
Source: Guardian