Khamenei: Close US Bases or Face Attacks.

Khamenei: Close US Bases or Face Attacks.

                    The escalating US-Israel-Iran war, now in its second week as of March 13, 2026, has reached a critical juncture with Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issuing a stark ultimatum in his first public statement since succeeding his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the initial strikes on February 28, 2026.
            In a message broadcast on Iranian state television on Thursday, March 12, Mojtaba Khamenei declared that US military bases across the region "must be closed immediately" or face continued attacks. He emphasized that these bases, used to launch strikes against Iran, are legitimate targets, warning Gulf nations hosting them that American promises of protection are "nothing more than a lie.

" Khamenei further vowed to maintain the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as a "tool of pressure" on enemies, signaling no immediate de-escalation and pledging to "avenge the blood" of Iranians killed in the conflict.

This defiant rhetoric comes amid a barrage of Iranian retaliatory strikes, including missile and drone attacks on Gulf countries, disruptions to global shipping, and surging oil prices. The war, triggered by surprise US-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear, military, and leadership sites, has already caused significant casualties, infrastructure damage, and economic shockwaves worldwide.

Khamenei's Ultimatum and Its Implications

Mojtaba Khamenei's selection as Supreme Leader on March 8 by Iran's Assembly of Experts marked a victory for hardline factions within the regime, particularly the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). His first address reinforced continuity with his father's policies while escalating threats against US assets.

Key points from the statement:Immediate closure of all US bases in the region (including those in Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and others).
Continued attacks on bases that remain operational.

Persistence in blocking the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20-30% of global oil passes.

Calls for regional countries to expel US forces to avoid becoming entangled in the war.

Analysts view this as an attempt to isolate US forces, pressure Gulf allies, and rally domestic support amid heavy losses. The US has dismissed the threats but heightened alerts at bases, with CENTCOM reporting ongoing defensive operations.

Key Events on March 12, 2026

The day saw multiple escalations:Iranian Attacks on Gulf Energy Infrastructure A wave of Iranian missiles and drones targeted Gulf states, with Bahrain hit hardest. Fuel storage tanks near Bahrain International Airport in Muharraq Governorate were struck, igniting massive fires and prompting authorities to urge residents to stay indoors and seal windows against smoke.

Bahrain's military intercepted over 170 drones and 100+ missiles in recent days, but some penetrated defenses. Similar strikes affected oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, disrupting energy exports.

These attacks aim to choke global oil supply, with Iran vowing "not a single liter" will exit the Gulf undisturbed.Oil Tanker Attacks in Iraqi Waters Two oil tankers came under assault near Khor Al Zubair port in Iraqi territorial waters. One, the US-owned Safesea Vishnu (Marshall Islands-flagged), was hit by what sources described as an Iranian "suicide" explosive boat or drone. An Indian crew member was killed, and 15 other Indian seafarers were evacuated safely. Iraq suspended port operations in response, heightening fears for maritime security.

This incident underscores the spillover into commercial shipping, with multiple tankers ablaze and crews at risk.Israeli Strike in Lebanon An Israeli airstrike on Arki (near Sidon) in southern Lebanon killed nine people, including five children, and wounded seven. Lebanese officials reported over 687 killed since the prior Monday, with cumulative displacement nearing 700,000 and at least 84 children among the dead since intensified operations began.

US Military Incident A US fueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq in what the military called "friendly airspace." Details remain limited, but it adds to US losses, with at least nine personnel confirmed dead in the broader conflict.

Tehran Still Engulfed in Smoke Thick, acrid black smoke continues to blanket Iran's capital days after US-Israeli strikes on oil depots and refineries (e.g., Shahran depot and Tehran refinery). Satellite imagery shows persistent fires, raising health concerns from toxic pollution and potential acid rain. Residents report darkened skies and respiratory issues.

Diplomatic Moves The Netherlands and Iceland joined South Africa's ICJ case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza, amid broader international divisions. Some nations support US-Israel actions (e.g., NATO allies), while others (China, Russia) oppose them.

Oil Market Shock

Brent crude settled above $100 per barrel for the first time since August 2022, driven by Hormuz disruptions and Gulf strikes. Prices spiked nearly 10% in Asian trading on March 12, with experts warning of the largest supply crisis in decades if the strait remains blocked.

Broader Context of the War

The conflict erupted on February 28, 2026, with US-Israeli strikes assassinating Ali Khamenei and targeting nuclear/military sites. Iran retaliated with hundreds of missiles and drones against Israel and US bases/allies. Casualties include:US: 9+ military dead, 170+ wounded, damage to 17+ sites.

Israel: Limited military/civilian losses.

Iran: Heavy infrastructure hits, civilian impacts.

Mojtaba Khamenei's hardline stance suggests prolonged fighting, with IRGC influence dominant. Gulf states face dilemma: host US forces or risk Iranian wrath.

As of March 13, 2026 (11:26 AM IST), no major new strikes reported overnight, but tensions remain sky-high. The world watches for potential US response to Khamenei's demands, with oil markets and shipping routes in turmoil.