Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's new leader, has stated that the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for oil and natural gas transport, "must remain closed," according to a statement released via state broadcaster Press TV on Tuesday (local time). He did not appear in public for the announcement.

His first statement since taking office was read by a state TV news anchor. In relation to Mojtaba's absence, Israel reportedly sustained injuries during the initial shelling of this operation.

Rumors are circulating that he is in a coma or has had a leg amputated, but none of these have been confirmed as true. There are also rumors on social media that Khamenei has died, but this has also not been verified.

He vowed revenge for war victims, including those who died in school attacks. He stated that Iran would "seek reparations" from its adversary, the United States. If the U.S. refused, he warned that Iran would "confiscate U.S. assets or destroy them on a similar scale."

The statement emphasized, "We will not abandon the pursuit of justice for the blood of the martyrs," and added, "The revenge we seek is not limited to the martyrdom of the great revolutionary leader but extends to all our people who have been murdered by the enemy."

The statement also urged Arab nations in the Gulf region to "close down" U.S. military bases during the war with Iran, stating, "These countries must clarify their position towards those who attacked our beloved homeland and murdered our people."

Khamenei argued in the statement, "I advise them to close those bases as soon as possible. They must now realize that the claim that the United States provides security and peace was nothing but a lie."

Mojtaba's statement fueled concerns that the Iran war and the potential blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting crude oil transport, could be prolonged, leading to a rise in international oil prices on the day.

Earlier, President Trump told reporters on Wednesday night, "We think we are in a very good situation," adding, "The most important thing is that we have to win. We will win quickly, but we will win, in any case." He further commented, "Many people say the outcome has already been decided. It's just a matter of when."

President Trump expressed hope that there would be someone who could "build a nation," stating, "We can disable their power supply capability in an hour, and it will take them 25 years to rebuild." He pointed out that rebuilding the nation would then become impossible.

NNP=Hong Seong-gu, Chief Reporter / Special Correspondent for this Newspaper NNP info@newsandpost.com