Iran will keep blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping channel, according to a statement read on state TV attributed to the new supreme leader. Iranian state media say Iranian forces were behind at least one strike. Since his appointment, he has not been spotted on state TV, and his message was read aloud by the presenter. Iran's state TV news channel has referred to him as a “veteran of the Ramadan war”, without giving any further confirmation as to whether he has been injured. However, the only Royal Navy mine-hunting ship that was stationed in Bahrain, HMS Middleton, recently returned to Portsmouth for planned maintenance.

Source: The Star March 12, 2026 19:31 UTC