US says Iran’s new supreme leader likely ‘wounded’, dismisses Strait of Hormuz concerns

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made a series of provocative statements on Friday, asserting that Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is 'wounded and likely disfigured' as a result of ongoing US military action. Hegseth characterized Khamenei's first public address—a written statement issued Thursday—as evidence the leader is 'scared,' 'injured,' 'on the run,' and 'lacks legitimacy.' The Defense Secretary simultaneously announced a significant escalation in US operations, promising that Friday would see 'the highest volume of strikes that America has put over the skies of Iran and Tehran,' with the number of sorties and bomber pulses continuing to ramp up.

Hegseth's remarks come amid a severe crisis centered on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint through which roughly 20% of the world's oil passes. Iran has threatened a blockade in retaliation for US strikes, effectively halting ship traffic and sending global oil prices to record highs. Despite the severe economic implications, Hegseth downplayed the strategic impact of the strait's closure, offering few details on US measures to restore the vital oil flow. The situation represents a dangerous escalation in tensions, with the US committing to intensified military action while a key global trade artery remains blocked.