United News of Bangladesh

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said Tehran may use the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as leverage and continue attacks on Gulf Arab neighbors, in his first statement since taking office aired on state TV Thursday. The announcement came as Iranian strikes continue targeting commercial ships around the Strait of Hormuz and Iraq’s port of Basra. Brent crude oil surged past $100 amid concerns over disruptions to global energy trade. The UN refugee agency said up to 3.2 million people have been displaced within Iran since the conflict began. Iran’s newly appointed leader signals continued attacks The Israeli military is also striking Iran and its ally Hezbollah in Lebanon, displacing over 800,000 people, while warning Lebanese residents near the Zahrani River to evacuate. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said if Lebanon cannot curb Hezbollah attacks, Israel will “take the territory and do it ourselves.” Elsewhere, Iranian drones and missiles targeted the Gulf, Dubai, and Kuwait, causing minor damage but no casualties, while maritime operators flagged vessels as Chinese to avoid attacks. Poland is investigating a cyberattack on its nuclear research center, possibly originating from Iran. Khamenei vowed retribution, saying Iran will seize or destroy enemy assets if compensation is refused. He also confirmed the deaths of his wife, sister, niece, and brother-in-law in the recent airstrike. The conflict continues to destabilize the region and global oil markets as both Iran and Israel prepare for further escalation.