By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider

Motjaba Khamenei has issued his first address since taking the helm as Iran’s new Supreme Leader taking over from his late father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated by Israel and the United States through air strikes that have been ongoing in the region for several weeks.

In his address Khamenei called for national unity and that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed in order to maintain pressure on Iranian enemies. He also highlighted that any US bases that are placed in the region should all be closed or has warned that Iran will issue an attack if it doesn’t do so.

 Khamenei has even expressed that even though Iran holds a lot of respect for their neighbours, they will not hesitate to issue out attacks in the region if the US does not close their bases.

Armed forces in Yemen have also declared their allegiance to Iran stating that they “will also do the job” and armed forces in Iraq also want to do their part in fighting in the Islamic revolution.

“I would like to thank the brave fighters who are doing a great job at a time when our country is under pressure and under attack.” said Khamenei as he expressed that Iran will continue to fight against the forces of the United States and Israel.

 The Strait of Hormuz supplies a fifth of the world’s oil and runs past Iran’s coast. The conflict between US-Israel and Iran has caused the deaths of 2000 people and has caused the biggest disruption to global energy supplies according to the International Energy Agency.

With Trump expressing that the Oil price spike will be short lived he has still not explained how he intends to end the war or have a plan that will open up the Strait of Hormuz, they have only expressed that they intend to shut down Iran’s nuclear programme and Trump has also demanded the surrender of the Iranian people.

Last week Wednesday the Department of International Relations and Cooperation for South Africa stated they will continue to support Iran in the war, condemning the US and Israel for acting outside of the bounds of international law and has urged for all parties to engage in a peaceful dialogue to resolve the conflict.

 “We continue to encourage those who are involved in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East to really utilise diplomatic channels to resolve whatever dispute that they might be having” said the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Thandi Moraka.