Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's reported supreme leader, issued a written message on Thursday announcing that his country will establish a "new legal framework and management system for the Strait of Hormuz" designed to create a regional future without American presence. The statement, released on Iran's National Persian Gulf Day, characterized the strategic waterway as a "divine blessing" for the Islamic Republic.
The message arrives amid an extended pause in military hostilities between Iran and the United States. The ceasefire, initially set for two weeks, has been extended following significant losses within Iran's senior military and political leadership. According to statements from President Trump, the extension became necessary due to the large number of killed regime officials, which has created an unclear succession and internal power struggles within the Iranian government.
Khamenei's written statement reaffirmed Iran's commitment to continuing its nuclear development program, the central issue the Trump administration has prioritized in negotiations. The text pledged to "secure the Persian Gulf region and end the hostile misuse of this waterway," while condemning what it described as centuries of foreign interference.
"The new legal framework and management system for the Strait of Hormuz will advance comfort and development for all the region's nations," the message stated, according to available reports. Khamenei vowed to eliminate U.S. and allied military presence across the broader Persian Gulf region.
Commercial transit through the Strait of Hormuz has largely ceased, with only occasional ships passing safely. Reports indicate Iran may be charging vessels up to $2 million for protected passage. The near-total shutdown has disrupted global commerce and elevated oil prices significantly.
Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, head of Iran's navy, announced on Thursday that the nation would soon unveil a new weapon he characterized as "terrifying," warning that adversaries underestimate Iranian military capabilities.
President Trump has signaled the U.S. Navy will maintain its blockade of Iranian shipping "for months if needed" until nuclear concessions are reached. Iran has requested an end to the naval blockade before engaging in substantive nuclear negotiations, a proposal the White House has not publicly addressed.
