Iran has indicated it will persist in blocking the Strait of Hormuz, intensifying pressure on global oil markets and disrupting a critical shipping route for energy exports. Oil prices climbed beyond $100 per barrel on Thursday amid renewed tensions following fresh attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf and statements from Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader.
Iran’s latest declaration on the Strait of Hormuz comes after a series of maritime attacks in the Gulf region, with two tankers struck near Iraq and a container vessel hit in waters close to the United Arab Emirates. Iranian state media acknowledged that Iranian forces were involved in at least one incident.
The new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, made his first public statement since taking office in March. He called for the continued closure of the vital waterway to exert leverage over adversaries, referring to the shutdown as a means of applying “pressure” against opposing countries.
As of 21:30 local time in Bangkok (GMT+7), the international benchmark Brent crude rose 8.88% to $100.15 per barrel, while the West Texas Intermediate jumped 9.31% to $95.37 a barrel.
In remarks broadcast on Iranian state television, Khamenei also called for the immediate withdrawal of all U.S. military assets from the Middle East, stating that American bases in the region should shut down or face attacks.
The conflict in the Persian Gulf has severely restricted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a channel that handles a significant portion of global oil exports. The disruption has driven oil prices sharply higher, with the international benchmark surpassing $100 a barrel. Iran recently warned that prices could reach $200 per barrel if the standoff persists.
Mojtaba Khamenei assumed Iran’s highest leadership role on March 9, following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in airstrikes attributed to the United States and Israel that began in late February.
