Iran Strait of Hormuz: New Leader Vows Closure

A recently released statement attributed to Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has drawn skepticism regarding its significance and even his current status. Some observers question the impact of the message, while others doubt the ayatollah is still alive.

Skepticism Surrounds New Supreme Leader

Pedram Hamidi, who grew up in Iran under the existing regime, dismissed the importance of the first purported message from Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. “He’s irrelevant,” Hamidi told CNN Thursday. “We’re fighting the IRGC at this point.”

Hamidi also expressed doubt about Khamenei’s continued existence. “There’s not even a single video of it,” he said, adding that there is no visual evidence even from a secure location.

Hamidi, now living in Canada, previously spoke with CNN in January during anti-government protests in Iran. He stated his parents, who remain in Iran, currently have no internet access and are fearful, despite wanting to see action taken. “Bombs are dropping – but at the same time they want something to be done,” he said.

Mojtaba Khamenei was known in Iran for supporting Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s successful 2005 presidential bid. Following the election, he became recognized as the most politically involved of Ali Khamenei’s children and was seen as being groomed for leadership.

Regarding Khamenei’s statement about closing the Strait of Hormuz, Hamidi believes the regime is attempting to raise the economic and political stakes of the conflict for former President Trump, hoping he will withdraw, declare victory, and depart.

Doubts Extend Beyond Iran

Elie Bassalian, a New York resident, also downplayed the significance of the statements attributed to Khamenei. “Nothing’s really going to change unless they get new leadership,” he said. “I don’t really dwell on any words that they say.”

Bassalian characterized the statements as continued propaganda from the existing regime. His parents and grandparents immigrated to New York from Iran before the 1979 revolution.

“We’re proudly Jewish, we’re also proudly American and we’re also proud of our Iranian background,” he said. “When we get together for our Sabbath, we’re Jewish and we’re doing all the Jewish rituals, but we’re eating Persian food.” He expressed hope for success for both America and Israel.