Tehran, Mar 13 (V7N) – Iran’s new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has issued a strong warning to the United States, demanding the immediate closure of all US military bases in the region. Otherwise, he warned, Iran would launch further attacks.

In his first speech after assuming leadership, Mojtaba Khamenei also announced that the strategically important Strait of Hormuz will remain closed, saying the move is intended to put pressure on Iran’s enemies. He called on the Iranian people to remain united during the ongoing conflict.

Khamenei said that Yemen’s Houthi rebels and armed groups in Iraq are also ready to support Iran in the current situation. Thanking the country’s military forces, he praised them for protecting Iran despite continuous attacks.

“The army has protected Iran from being subjugated or divided even under pressure and attacks,” he said, adding that the country would avenge the blood of those killed in the conflict.

The Iranian leader also stated that while Iran wants to maintain friendly relations with neighboring countries, its attacks will specifically target US military bases in the region, and such operations will continue.

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated sharply since February 28, when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, in which former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed. Following the incident, Mojtaba Khamenei was elected Iran’s new Supreme Leader on March 8.

END/SMA/AJ