Iran's new leader vows to keep Strait of Hormuz shut

Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed and to avenge those killed in the ongoing US-Israeli assault on his country, in his first public statement since succeeding his slain father.

"The popular demand is to continue our effective defence and make the enemy regret. The lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must continue to be used," Khamenei said in a statement read out by a presenter on Iranian state television.

The remarks were his first since he took over as supreme leader following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the US-Israeli bombing campaign that began at the end of February.

Iranian officials said the younger Khamenei was lightly wounded in the strike, and he confirmed in his address that his wife, sister, and other family members were also killed.

He told the Iranian people he would not neglect avenging "the blood of the martyrs," and warned that neighbouring countries hosting US military bases must close them or face continued Iranian attacks. He also said a "limited amount" of Iran's revenge had already "taken concrete form," but that the matter would remain a priority until fully achieved.

Shortly after his address, Iran's Revolutionary Guards confirmed they would keep the strait shut in line with his orders.

The statement has added to the strain on global oil markets. The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most important energy trade route, carrying roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies.

The International Energy Agency has described the disruption caused by the conflict as the biggest to global energy supplies in history. On Thursday, oil prices rose back above $100 a barrel.

Two tankers were set ablaze in an Iraqi port after attacks by suspected Iranian explosive-laden boats, and three further ships were struck in the Gulf. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for at least one of those attacks.

Iraq and Oman closed oil terminals following the incidents. Another vessel reported being struck near the United Arab Emirates.

The disruption has persisted despite a major intervention by developed nations, who announced the release of 400 million barrels from their strategic reserves, the largest such coordinated move in history.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly sought to calm markets, arguing that the United States, as the world's largest oil producer, stands to benefit from higher prices. He wrote on social media that stopping Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons was of "far greater interest and importance" to him than the rising cost of oil.

He has also demanded Iran's unconditional surrender and claimed the war was already won, though he has offered no clear plan to end the conflict or reopen the strait.

Iran's military command has said the world should prepare for oil prices of $200 a barrel.