Iran has reportedly announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the current conflict comes to an end, according to a statement delivered Thursday on Iranian state television. The message, attributed to Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was read by a news anchor and warned that the strategic waterway would remain blocked during the war. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil routes, carrying a significant portion of global energy supplies.
The statement also urged neighboring Gulf countries to remove American military installations from their territories. Iranian officials framed the warning as a response to the United States’ military campaign known as Operation Epic Fury, which has intensified tensions across the Middle East. Iran has reportedly launched attacks at various targets in the region in retaliation. Notably, Mojtaba Khamenei did not personally appear during the announcement. According to Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst, citing an Israeli intelligence source, Khamenei may have been injured during early strikes tied to the operation. However, the official reportedly minimized suggestions that his injuries were severe.
Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration is considering temporarily waiving the Jones Act to help maintain the flow of energy supplies to U.S. ports. Such a move could ease potential disruptions if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains restricted. President Donald Trump also addressed security concerns, warning that possible terrorist sleeper cells inside the United States must be closely monitored. He praised the military campaign against Iran while noting that authorities are investigating reports of potential threats, including a suspected drone attack plot off the California coast.
