“US Bases Must Close”: Iran’s New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Issues War Ultimatum

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• March 13, 2026
• Business, Defence, Global Business, Government, Politics
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TEHRAN, March 12, 2026 — In his first official address as Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei issued a stark ultimatum to Gulf nations, demanding the immediate closure of all United States military bases on their soil. The message, delivered as a written statement read by a state television anchor, signals a hardline continuation of the conflict that has gripped the region for nearly two weeks.

A Call for Regional Realignment

Addressing neighboring Arab states, the 56-year-old cleric dismissed Western security guarantees as “nothing more than a lie”. While emphasizing that Tehran seeks “friendship” and “warm relations” with its neighbors, he warned that any territory hosting American forces remains a legitimate target for Iranian strikes.

“The countries of the region must determine their position toward those who have attacked our homeland,” the statement read, urging regional governments to shutter foreign installations to avoid further Iranian retaliation.

The “Leverage” of the Strait of Hormuz

Khamenei reaffirmed that the Strait of Hormuz—a chokepoint responsible for nearly one-fifth of global oil supply—will remain closed as a “strategic tool of pressure” against Iran’s enemies. This continued blockade has already triggered a global energy crisis as the war with the U.S. and Israel escalates.

He further warned that Iran is studying the possibility of opening “additional fronts” where its adversaries lack experience, signaling a potential expansion of the conflict if the state of war persists.

Vowing Vengeance and Reparations

A major portion of the address was dedicated to the “blood of the martyrs,” with the new leader vowing to avenge every Iranian casualty, including those killed in recent strikes on a school in Minab. Khamenei explicitly stated that revenge would not be limited to the assassination of his father, late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, but would be pursued for every citizen martyred.

Furthermore, he demanded full war reparations from Iran’s adversaries:

• Compensation: Demanding the enemy pay for material losses and financial damages.
• Seizures: Warning that if reparations are refused, Iran will seize equivalent assets or destroy property of equal value.

Domestic Unity and Unseen Leadership

The message served to galvanize domestic support, praising the resilience of the Iranian people and the “Axis of Resistance” allies in Yemen, Lebanon, and Iraq. Khamenei called for nationwide participation in upcoming Quds Day rallies to demonstrate defiance against external pressure.

Despite the forceful tone, questions persist regarding Mojtaba Khamenei’s health and whereabouts, as he has yet to make a public appearance since assuming office. Israeli intelligence assessments suggest he may have been injured in the strikes that killed his father.

Bottom Line

Mojtaba Khamenei’s first wartime message is a clear rejection of de-escalation. By tying the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to the removal of U.S. forces from the Gulf, Tehran has set a high-stakes price for regional stability, leaving little room for immediate diplomatic breakthrough.