[Published: Friday March 13 2026]
 Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei issued his first statement
TEHRAN, 13 March. - (ANA) - Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei issued his first statement on the war on Thursday, saying that the leverage of closing the Strait of Hormuz should be used, and that attacks on Iran’s Gulf Arab neighbors will continue.
Khamenei did not appear on camera; an Irani ambassador said he was injured in the war’s opening salvo. See key quotes from Khamenei’s first public statement.
He did not specify his condition or mention his location in the speech. An Israeli assessment indicates he was wounded in the war’s opening salvo.
He’s likely in a secure, secret location to avoid a threatened Israeli operation to kill him. His father, former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a major attack by Israel and the United States at the start of the war.
On the positions of neighboring countries
“These countries must clarify their position regarding those who have attacked our beloved homeland and killed members of our people. I recommend that they shut down those bases as soon as possible, because by now they must have realized that the United States’ claims of providing security and peace have been nothing more than a lie.”
On the Strait of Hormuz
“The lever of closing the Strait of Hormuz must certainly continue to be used as well. Studies have also been conducted on opening other fronts in which the enemy has little experience and would be highly vulnerable. Their activation will take place, if the wartime situation continues and in accordance with considerations of expediency.” - (ANA) -
AB/ANA/13 March 2026 - - -
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