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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, made his first public statements on Thursday, vowing to continue
the fight against Gulf Arab nations and threatening to open 'other fronts' in an ongoing conflict that has severely impacted global energy supplies and the economy. In response, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a new threat to Iran on social media early Friday, warning, 'Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today,' and referring to the damage inflicted on Iran as a 'great honor' to oversee.
Statements from Khamenei and Netanyahu
Supreme Leader Khamenei's remarks coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's assertion that Israeli military actions were facilitating conditions for the Iranian populace to overthrow their government. 'It is in your hands,' Netanyahu urged during a press conference directed at the Iranian citizens, emphasizing that Israel was creating the right environment for regime change.Military Actions and Airstrikes
Since the commencement of hostilities, U.S. and Israeli forces have targeted security checkpoints within Iran, aiming to weaken the government’s capacity to quell dissent, according to the U.S.-based monitoring group ACLED.Intense airstrikes occurred early Friday in and around Tehran, although the specific targets of these strikes were not immediately disclosed.
Netanyahu's Critique of Khamenei
Netanyahu labeled Khamenei a 'puppet of the Revolutionary Guards,' highlighting the leader's close ties to Iran's paramilitary forces and suggesting he is less willing to negotiate than his predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Khamenei, who has not appeared publicly since the onset of the conflict, stated through a news anchor that he maintains a 'file of revenge' against those who have attacked Iran.
Impact on Oil Prices and Global Economy
The conflict has escalated on its 13th day, causing oil prices to surge to $100 per barrel, while global stock markets reacted negatively amid fears of a prolonged conflict.In an effort to mitigate rising oil prices, the U.S. Treasury Department announced a further easing of sanctions on Russian oil, allowing the sale and delivery of specific Russian crude oil and petroleum products for one month.
Trump indicated earlier this week that additional measures would be taken to address the strain on oil supplies, following a temporary allowance for India to purchase Russian oil.
This exemption applies only to Russian oil already en route, with estimates suggesting that around 125 million barrels are currently on tankers. For context, approximately 20 million barrels of oil typically transit the Strait of Hormuz each day, as reported by the International Energy Agency.
Iran's Continued Military Strategy
Iran has vowed to persist with attacks on energy infrastructure across the region, leveraging the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic advantage against the U.S. and Israel. This strait is critical, with one-fifth of the world's traded oil passing through it.At a press conference, Iran's ambassador to Tunisia, Mir Masoud Hosseinian, claimed that Iranian naval forces have achieved 'full control' over the strait and have conducted precise strikes in retaliation for attacks on their oil infrastructure.
'Global energy security is contingent on respect for Iran’s sovereignty,' he asserted.
Iranian Leader's Call to Action
Hosseinian informed The Associated Press that Khamenei was wounded in the assault on his family home, although he described the injury as 'not serious.' The hope is that Khamenei will participate in the significant state-organized Eid prayer next week.Khamenei has urged Gulf Arab nations to 'shut down' U.S. military bases in the region, asserting that the protection offered by Washington is 'nothing more than a lie.'
He hinted at the possibility of 'opening other fronts' in the conflict, suggesting that these would be areas where adversaries lack experience and could be vulnerable, although he did not provide further details.
Escalating Attacks on Gulf States
On Friday, Saudi Arabia's defense ministry reported that its air defenses intercepted over three dozen drones targeting the Eastern Province, marking an unusually extensive assault.Nuclear Program Developments
Trump emphasized in a social media post that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons is a higher priority than addressing rising oil prices.Shortly thereafter, Netanyahu disclosed that Israeli military actions had resulted in the death of a prominent Iranian nuclear scientist, among others, although specific details were scarce.
Israel confirmed it had recently struck a nuclear facility in Iran that had previously been destroyed in an airstrike in October 2024, amid concerns raised by satellite imagery suggesting Iran was attempting to restore the site.
International Military Incidents
The U.S. military reported that American forces have targeted over 6,000 sites since the operation against Iran commenced, including more than 30 vessels used for minelaying.On Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the death of a French soldier in an attack targeting Irbil in Iraq's northern Kurdish region, where French troops are part of a multinational counterterrorism mission.
Additionally, British officials reported that several U.S. personnel sustained minor injuries from drone strikes at a base in Irbil that houses both British and American forces.
In western Iraq, rescue operations are ongoing following the crash of an American military refueling aircraft. U.S. Central Command stated that two aircraft were involved, with one landing safely, and confirmed that the incident was not related to hostile or friendly fire.
Israeli Strikes in Lebanon
In response to missile attacks from Hezbollah fighters, Israeli warplanes targeted areas in Lebanon, including the heart of Beirut. One strike hit near the Lebanese parliament and international embassies.Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee stated that the strikes were aimed at a 'facility affiliated with Hezbollah.'
Reports indicate that one of the strikes resulted in the death of a professor and the director of the science faculty at a university in Hadath, located in Beirut's southern suburbs. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that Israeli airstrikes killed at least 15 individuals, including five children, in southern Lebanon.
