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Iran’s New Supreme Leader Vows Continued Attacks as Strait of Hormuz Crisis Deepens
IrIran’s newly installed supreme leader has pledged to continue attacks against Israel and the United States as the widening conflict disrupts shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and drives fears of a global energy shock..
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By Aurax Radio — Updated March 12, 2026
Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued his first public message since assuming power, vowing continued attacks against Israel and the United States.
The conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States is intensifying after Iran’s new supreme leader vowed to continue military action, while attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz threaten one of the world’s most critical energy routes.
In his first official message since assuming power, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei promised retaliation against Iran’s enemies and signaled that pressure on global oil supplies could be used as leverage in the war.
The statement, broadcast on Iranian state television, came as the conflict widened across the Middle East, with missile strikes, naval incidents and growing humanitarian concerns reported across the region.
Air defence systems intercept missiles during exchanges between Iran and Israel as the conflict widens.
The skyline of Tehran, where Iran’s leadership has vowed to continue military operations during the regional conflict.
Shipping attacks raise global alarm
Shipping attacks raise global alarm
Several commercial vessels have been struck near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit corridors. A Thai-flagged bulk carrier was set ablaze after being hit by projectiles, while two other ships sustained damage in separate incidents in the Gulf.
Officials say more than a dozen ships have been attacked since the conflict began, raising fears for maritime security in a passage that carries roughly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
The United States has accused Iran of attempting to disrupt traffic through the narrow waterway and says its forces have destroyed several Iranian vessels suspected of laying naval mines.
Sources familiar with the situation say Iran may have deployed around a dozen mines in the strait, further heightening concerns that shipping could halt entirely if the conflict escalates.
Regional conflict widens
Regional conflict widens
The latest developments come after the war began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets earlier this year, triggering a wave of retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the Middle East.
Iran-backed groups have also launched rockets at northern Israel while Israeli forces continue strikes in Lebanon and other locations linked to Iranian allies.
The violence has displaced hundreds of thousands of people across the region and damaged infrastructure, according to United Nations estimates cited in international reporting.
File photo of U.S. Military Commabd centre: Regional tensions continue to escalate as diplomatic efforts to halt the conflict stall.
Oil markets and global economy at risk
Oil markets and global economy at risk
The growing instability in the Strait of Hormuz has rattled global energy markets. Oil prices surged above $100 per barrel earlier in the crisis amid fears of supply disruptions.
Analysts warn that a prolonged shutdown of the strait could trigger one of the largest disruptions to global energy supply since the oil crises of the 1970s.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials say the military is focused on countering Iranian threats in the region rather than immediately escorting commercial tankers through the waterway.
Uncertain path ahead
Uncertain path ahead
Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis have so far shown little progress. Iranian leaders insist the country will continue to retaliate for attacks on its territory, while Washington and its allies say they intend to weaken Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities.
With shipping disrupted, missiles still flying and oil markets on edge, the conflict has entered a volatile phase that could reshape security and energy dynamics across the Middle East.
Sources: BBC News, AP News, NPR, The Times
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