Iran’s Khamenei Issues New Message About the Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s absent “Supreme Leader,” Mojtaba Khamenei, reportedly sent out a written message on Thursday that outlined plans for a new legal framework and management system in the Strait of Hormuz. This declaration hints at an impending “American liberation” of the critical waterway.

Khamenei’s message emphasized that the strait, which Iran has tried to jeopardize for over a month concerning commercial shipping, is seen as a “divine blessing” for the nation. He claimed that the regime is treating this matter with utmost seriousness. Coinciding with Iran’s National Persian Gulf Day, the statement also reaffirmed the regime’s commitment to its contentious nuclear program, a point of contention for the Trump administration.

This announcement came after weeks of tension between Iran and the U.S., ignited on February 28 when the Pentagon initiated Operation Epic Fury, resulting in the death of Khamenei’s father, the former brutal dictator Ali Khamenei. Earlier this month, President Trump declared a ceasefire that was intended to last two weeks but was eventually made indefinite. In a social media post on Truth Social, Trump explained that the extension of the ceasefire was crucial due to the targeted killing of several Iranian leaders, which has led to apparent confusion within the Iranian government. While officials have attempted to deny internal strife, they seem to struggle in presenting a unified front against U.S. efforts for a long-term peace agreement.

Since the ceasefire’s implementation, U.S. airstrikes against Iran have ceased, yet Trump maintains a naval blockade that restricts Iranian vessels from passing freely through the Strait of Hormuz. This blockade is a countermeasure to Iran’s attempts to hinder international shipping, which reportedly includes placing mines in strategic areas. Iran, in turn, is allegedly requesting the lifting of this blockade as a precondition for discussions surrounding its nuclear endeavors. As of now, the White House has not publicly addressed this request.

The message attributed to Mojtaba Khamenei, rumored to be incapacitated, hinted at plans for a new maritime policy in the strait but provided little substantial information.

Part of the message proclaimed, “The Islamic Republic takes an act of gratitude for God’s blessing in controlling the Strait of Hormuz,” aiming to secure the region and put an end to misuse of this vital waterway. It also stated, “The new legal framework and management system of the Strait of Hormuz will promote comfort and development for all countries in the region.”

Khamenei expressed concerns about historical “malign designs by global oppressors” toward the people of the Persian Gulf, asserting a commitment to driving out the U.S. and its allies from the region.

He concluded with an optimistic vision for the Persian Gulf, foreseeing a future free of American influence and focused on the peace and prosperity of neighboring nations.

Currently, most commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is heavily restricted, although a few vessels have managed to navigate safely in recent weeks. Reports suggest that Iran might be capitalizing on the situation by charging exorbitant fees for safe passage, further complicating matters and impacting global oil prices.

On Wednesday, President Trump indicated that the U.S. Navy might continue its operations to blockade Iranian trade for extended periods if needed, expressing confidence in achieving the goal of neutralizing the Iranian threat without resorting to conventional warfare. In remarks about the effectiveness of blockades over bombings, he claimed, “They’re choking like stuffed pigs.”

The Iranian response to Trump’s measures seems to be more threats. Besides Khamenei’s recent statements, Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, Iran’s top naval officer, indicated that new “terrifying” weaponry would soon be unveiled.

However, the specifics of this alleged new weapon remain unclear, as Iranian state media have not provided details.