Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has delivered his first major statement, urging national unity and warning that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed to apply pressure on Iran’s adversaries.

In a televised address, Khamenei emphasized that all U.S. bases in the region are threats and must be closed immediately, or they will face attacks, The Caspian Post reports via foreign media.

The speech signals a firm Iranian stance amid rising Middle East tensions, underscoring strategic control over the Strait of Hormuz and a continued focus on defending national security while consolidating unity at home.