Iran will use Strait of Hormuz as leverage, says country’s new leader

Iran is trying to inflict enough global economic pain to pressure the United States and Israel to halt their bombardment

Iran has vowed to maintain its grip on the Strait of Hormuz. Picture: AP Photo/PA.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said on Thursday that the leverage of closing the Strait of Hormuz should be used and that Iran’s attacks on Gulf Arab neighbours will continue.

His first statement since his appointment was read on state television by a news anchor. Mr Khamenei did not appear on camera, and an Israeli assessment indicates he was wounded in the war’s opening salvo.