Iran’s Supreme Leader defies US blockade as oil prices soar
Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei declared a strategic victory over the US amid a naval blockade and soaring oil prices, asserting Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz. Despite US efforts to enforce a blockade and form an international coalition, Iran continues to restrict shipping in the vital waterway. The crisis has triggered global energy concerns, with oil prices reaching a four-year high and international leaders warning of severe economic consequences.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Iran’s Supreme Leader defies US blockade as oil prices soarSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxA woman holds an image of Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei at a government-organised march in Tehran on April 29.PHOTO: ARASH KHAMOOSHI/NYTIMESPublished May 01, 2026, 07:39 AMUpdated May 01, 2026, 07:39 AMTEHRAN – Iran’s Supreme Leader declared on April 30 that the US had suffered a shameful defeat, defiantly rejecting a warning from President Donald Trump that an economically punishing US naval blockade could be enforced for months to come.Oil prices hit a four-year high, then fell back slightly before Mr Mojtaba Khamenei issued a written statement read on state television declaring that Iran was now in the driver’s seat in the crisis.“Today, two months after the…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.