Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, elected as the new Supreme Leader of Iran, on the 12th (local time) issued his first message saying he would continue the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Gulf states.

In a statement released via Iran's state TV that day, Mojtaba said this and declared an ultra-hardline response against the United States and Israel. It was his first official statement since being elected as the new Supreme Leader of Iran on the 9th.

Mojtaba said, “The demand of the vast majority of the people is to continue an effective defense that makes the enemy regret it,” adding, “The lever (means of pressure) of blockading the Strait of Hormuz must also continue to be used.”

Mojtaba said, “We will never hesitate to take revenge for the blood of the martyrs,” and said attacks on neighboring countries in the Gulf region would also continue. He said, “We still believe friendly relations with neighboring countries are needed,” while adding, “Going forward we will inevitably continue attacks on military bases in those countries.” He added, “We advise these countries to close US military bases as soon as possible.”

Mojtaba also said, “We will in some way demand compensation from the enemy,” and, “If they refuse, we will take as much of their assets as we deem appropriate, and if even that is not possible, we will seize and crush their assets in kind.”

The statement was read by a state TV anchor, and Mojtaba did not appear in person. He was reported to have been injured in the first Israeli airstrike on Tehran on the 28th of last month.