Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said revenge is a priority and threatened to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed [1, 3].

These statements signal a potential escalation in regional tensions by targeting one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints. A sustained closure of the strait would disrupt global energy markets and challenge the naval presence of Western powers in the Persian Gulf.

Khamenei issued the warnings on Thursday, June 4, 2026 [1, 2]. He said the move was a direct retaliation against the U.S. and Israel in response to a war launched by those nations [2, 4].

According to the Supreme Leader, the U.S. and Israel have already suffered a profound defeat in the conflict [2, 4]. He said the outcome for the two countries was a "deep humiliation" [2].

Addressing the strategic threat to maritime trade, Khamenei said that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed [3]. This waterway is essential for the transport of petroleum products from the Gulf states to the rest of the world.

"Revenge is the priority," Khamenei said [1].

The rhetoric follows a period of intense military friction. The Supreme Leader's focus on revenge suggests that Iran may seek further asymmetric responses to the recent war, regardless of the current diplomatic climate [1, 3].

While the specific location of the address was not specified in reports, the statements were disseminated through official channels to signal Iran's resolve to the international community [1].

“"Revenge is the priority."”

The threat to close the Strait of Hormuz is a strategic lever used by Iran to exert pressure on the global economy. By framing the recent conflict as a victory and a 'humiliation' for the U.S. and Israel, Khamenei is consolidating domestic support and signaling to regional allies that Iran remains the dominant military force in the Gulf.