In first message as Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei seeks US base closures, vows Minab school attack revenge

In his inaugural address as Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei made a bold statement regarding the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. He called for the closure of U.S. military bases in the region and emphasized Iran's determination to retaliate against Gulf nations for perceived aggressions, notably referencing a recent attack on a school in Minab that resulted in casualties. Khamenei's remarks underscore Iran's strategic interests in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route through which a significant portion of the world's oil passes. The new leader's rhetoric suggests a continuation of a hardline approach, aiming to leverage Iran's regional influence while signaling a readiness for confrontation with adversaries. This announcement comes against a backdrop of escalating regional conflicts and heightened tensions between Iran and the West, particularly the United States. Khamenei's commitment to avenging those lost in the conflict reflects a broader narrative of resistance that has historically characterized Iran's foreign policy. Observers will be closely monitoring how Khamenei's leadership will shape both domestic and international dynamics in the weeks and months ahead.