Khamenei Urges Gulf Rulers to Face ‘Real Enemy’ as Hormuz Strait Remains Closed

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, issued a public message on Sunday—coinciding with the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad—calling Gulf monarchs to identify and confront their ‘real enemy.’ The call comes as Tehran keeps the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for about 20 % of global oil and liquefied natural gas traffic, effectively shut.

Khamenei has not appeared in public since the February 28 US‑Israeli strikes that killed his father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In his message, he urged West Asian and Gulf leaders to “understand the enemy’s plan and confront it.”

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed that Tehran and Oman have agreed on a temporary maritime corridor, but its operation hinges on the United States honoring commitments under a memorandum of understanding signed in mid‑June—a pact that has since lapsed. Gharibabadi added that any vessel wishing to cross the strait must coordinate with Iranian authorities.

While the corridor and mine‑clearing talks continue, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani visited Tehran to push for de‑escalation and the reopening of shipping lanes. The International Maritime Organization reported that, as of Friday, up to 400 ships carrying roughly 6,000 seafarers have been unable to leave the Gulf safely since the onset of the US‑Israel war.

Shipping activity remains at historic lows: only seven commodity vessels transited the strait on Thursday, down from 17 the day before and well below the 10‑day average of 15. The International Maritime Organization called for renewed political will and practical measures to restore freedom of navigation.

Economic pressure on Tehran is mounting. Iran’s annual inflation hit 66 % last month, and President Masoud Pezeshkian noted that imports and exports have fallen nearly 35 % due to U.S. sanctions and the naval blockade. Washington has expanded its sanctions, targeting Iranian-linked individuals and entities and restricting the UAE branches of Egypt’s Banque Misr over alleged ties to Tehran.

Despite these pressures, Tehran shows no sign of easing its hard line on the Strait of Hormuz.