Tehran — Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued his first public statement Thursday, vowing to maintain the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as leverage against enemies and warning that attacks on U.S. military bases in the region would continue, as the war with the United States and Israel entered its 13th day.

The statement, read aloud on state television rather than delivered in person by Khamenei himself, called for national unity in the face of aggression and praised Iran’s armed forces for preventing domination or division of the country. A photograph of the 56-year-old cleric appeared on screen during the broadcast, but questions lingered about his health and whereabouts following reports of injuries sustained in the opening strikes of the conflict.

In the remarks, attributed directly to Khamenei, he declared that the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global chokepoint for oil shipments—must remain closed as a “tool to pressure the enemy.” He demanded the immediate closure of all U.S. bases in the Middle East, threatening further attacks if they did not comply. Khamenei emphasized Iran’s desire for friendship with neighboring countries while insisting that operations would target only American installations.

“I assure everyone that we will not refrain from avenging the blood of your martyrs,” the statement said, according to translations by Reuters and other outlets. He referenced specific incidents, including the deaths of children in attacks, and pledged that enemies would “pay the price.” Khamenei also claimed he learned of his appointment as Supreme Leader via state television, underscoring the chaotic circumstances of his ascension.

The broadcast came amid intense speculation about Khamenei’s condition. Multiple reports, including from The New York Times citing Israeli and Iranian officials, indicated he suffered leg injuries—possibly including a fractured foot and face wounds—during the initial U.S.-Israeli strikes on Feb. 28 that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with other family members including his wife and relatives. He has not appeared publicly or on video since his selection by the Assembly of Experts on March 9, fueling rumors of more severe injuries, including unconfirmed claims of a coma or leg amputation circulated in some Western media.

Iranian officials and state-affiliated outlets have pushed back, with one source close to President Masoud Pezeshkian insisting Khamenei is “safe and sound.” The absence from public view has been attributed to recovery needs or security concerns, as elite NOPO counterterrorism units now guard the new leader.

Mojtaba Khamenei, born in 1969 in Mashhad, is the second son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who ruled as Supreme Leader since 1989 until his death at 86 in the war’s first hours. A hard-line cleric who studied in Qom and fought in the Iran-Iraq War as a teenager, Mojtaba long served as a close adviser to his father while maintaining a low public profile. His selection marked an unprecedented dynastic succession in the Islamic Republic, defying traditional norms against hereditary leadership and drawing sharp criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who called the choice “unacceptable” and a “lightweight.”

The Assembly of Experts, an 88-member body of Shia clerics, convened amid ongoing bombardment to select him swiftly, signaling continuity and defiance against external pressure. Analysts described the move as a provocation, with one expert calling it a “blunt middle finger” to demands for regime change or veto power over Iran’s leadership.

The war, dubbed by some as the “Ramadan War,” erupted Feb. 28 with massive joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian leadership compounds, military sites, and infrastructure. It has escalated into broader regional conflict, with Iran launching retaliatory strikes, closing key maritime routes, and threatening further escalation. Oil prices have spiked amid fears over the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of global oil passes.

Khamenei’s statement reinforced Iran’s strategy of asymmetric pressure, including proxy operations and threats to energy flows, while praising the military’s resilience. He vowed to open additional fronts if necessary and obtain “compensation” from adversaries.

The remarks drew immediate international reactions. U.S. officials dismissed them as bluster from a weakened regime, while allies in the region expressed concern over potential disruptions to global shipping. The war has already caused significant casualties, with strikes hitting civilian areas including schools, and displaced populations amid infrastructure damage.

Khamenei’s elevation comes at a pivotal moment for Iran, facing existential threats from sustained aerial campaigns. His background in the clerical establishment and proximity to the IRGC positions him to maintain hard-line policies, but his lack of public experience and current invisibility raise questions about command effectiveness during crisis.

As the conflict rages, with no clear end in sight, Mojtaba Khamenei’s first message—delivered indirectly—aims to project strength and unity. Whether he can consolidate power and navigate the war remains uncertain, as Iran balances defiance with survival in one of its most perilous chapters.

Namibia stands as one of Africa’s most underrated destinations, offering dramatic landscapes, unique wildlife encounters, and adventures that rival any destination on the continent.

This southwestern African gem combines otherworldly desert scenery with rich cultural experiences and some of the most pristine wilderness areas you’ll find anywhere. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to explore more of this captivating country, these five experiences should top your itinerary for an unforgettable journey.

Explore the Towering Dunes of Sossusvlei

The Namib Desert’s iconic red dunes create one of the most photographed landscapes in Africa, and experiencing them firsthand is simply breathtaking. Sossusvlei, located in the Namib-Naukluft National Park, features some of the world’s highest sand dunes, with Big Daddy reaching an impressive 325 meters.

The best time to visit is at sunrise when the low light creates stunning contrasts between the illuminated and shadowed sides of the dunes. The climb to the top of Dune 45 or Big Daddy challenges your fitness, but the panoramic views across the endless sea of sand make every step worthwhile.

Don’t miss nearby Deadvlei, a surreal white clay pan dotted with ancient dead camelthorne trees that have stood for nearly 900 years. This otherworldly landscape looks like something from a science fiction film and offers incredible photography opportunities throughout the day.

Experience Wildlife at Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park ranks among Africa’s premier wildlife destinations, offering exceptional game viewing in a unique setting centered around a massive salt pan. The park’s network of waterholes creates natural theaters where you can observe elephants, lions, rhinos, and countless other species gathering to drink.

Unlike many other African parks, Etosha allows self-driving, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. However, booking a Namibia luxury safari with expert guides provides deeper insights into animal behavior and access to exclusive areas that enhance your wildlife experience significantly.

The dry winter months from May to October provide the best game viewing as animals concentrate around permanent water sources. You might witness dramatic predator-prey interactions or simply enjoy watching elephant families socializing at sunset.

Discover the Skeleton Coast’s Haunting Beauty

The Skeleton Coast earned its ominous name from the numerous shipwrecks that line its foggy, treacherous shores, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else on earth. This remote stretch of coastline where the Namib Desert meets the Atlantic Ocean offers an adventure into one of the planet’s most inhospitable yet fascinating environments.

The landscape features an ever-changing tapestry of shipwrecks, seal colonies, desert-adapted wildlife, and wind-sculpted rock formations. Cape Cross hosts one of the largest Cape fur seal colonies in the world, with up to 200,000 seals during breeding season creating an unforgettable sensory experience.

Flying over the Skeleton Coast provides the best perspective on this vast wilderness, revealing patterns and features invisible from the ground. Many visitors combine coastal exploration with visits to the Himba people, one of Namibia’s last semi-nomadic tribes maintaining traditional lifestyles.

Marvel at the Fish River Canyon

The Fish River Canyon ranks as the second-largest canyon in the world and offers hiking opportunities that rival more famous trails elsewhere in Africa. This geological wonder stretches 160 kilometers long, reaches up to 27 kilometers wide, and plunges 550 meters deep in places.

The five-day Fish River Canyon hiking trail challenges experienced trekkers with its rugged terrain and extreme temperatures, but the rewards include complete solitude and ever-changing scenery. The trail only operates during winter months when temperatures become manageable and flash flood risks decrease.

If you’re not up for the full hike, the viewpoints along the canyon rim provide spectacular vistas, especially at sunset when the light transforms the rocky landscape into shades of purple, orange, and red.

Stargaze in the World’s Oldest Desert

Namibia boasts some of the darkest skies on Earth, making it a premier destination for astronomy enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates natural beauty. The country’s low population density, minimal light pollution, and clear desert air create perfect conditions for observing celestial wonders.

Several lodges and reserves offer dedicated stargazing experiences with telescopes and expert guides who help you navigate the southern hemisphere’s constellations. The Milky Way appears so vivid in Namibia that it seems almost three-dimensional, stretching across the sky in a brilliant band of light.

Even without specialized equipment, simply lying on the desert sand and looking up reveals more stars than most people see in their entire lives. This humbling experience connects you to the vastness of the universe in ways that few other activities can match.

Conclusion

Namibia delivers experiences that satisfy adventure seekers, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone craving connection with raw, untouched nature. From climbing ancient dunes to tracking desert-adapted elephants, from exploring haunting coastlines to sleeping under star-filled skies, this remarkable country offers diversity that few destinations can match. Start planning your Namibian adventure now, and prepare for a journey that will exceed your expectations and leave you planning your return before you’ve even left.

Market Review

Global small cap equities rose in the fourth quarter, with signs that market leadership was beginning to broaden. Notably, the months-long AI-driven rally appeared to enter a new phase, with investors becoming increasingly cautious about the sustainability

President Donald Trump said that America benefits when oil prices increase because the nation is the world’s biggest oil producer, but added that he considers blocking Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons to be more important.

“The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money,” the president said in a Thursday Truth Social post. 

“BUT, of far greater interest and importance to me, as President, is stoping an evil Empire, Iran, from having Nuclear Weapons, and destroying the Middle East and, indeed, the World. I won’t ever let that happen! Thank you for your attention to this matter,” he added.

TRUMP TOUTS ‘HISTORIC’ $300B TEXAS REFINERY AS FIRST NEW US PLANT IN NEARLY 50 YEARS

President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at Trump National Doral in Miami, Florida, on March 9, 2026.  (SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Gas prices have been surging amid the war, with AAA’s national average price for regular gas currently at $3.598.

The U.S. plans to release millions of barrels of oil from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve next week. 

“Earlier today, 32 member nations of the International Energy Agency unanimously agreed to President Trump’s request to lower energy prices with a coordinated release of 400 million barrels of oil and refined products from their respective reserves,” Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in a Wednesday statement.

A diesel fuel pump at a Chevron gas station in Seattle, Washington, on Monday, March 9, 2026. (M. Scott Brauer/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

“As part of this effort, President Trump authorized the Department of Energy to release 172 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, beginning next week. This will take approximately 120 days to deliver based on planned discharge rates,” Wright noted.

“Unlike the previous administration, which left America’s oil reserves drained and damaged, the United States has arranged to more than replace these strategic reserves with approximately 200 million barrels within the next year — 20% more barrels than will be drawn down — and at no cost to the taxpayer,” he said in the statement.

IRAN THREATENS $200 OIL BARRELS AS US PREPARES MASSIVE RELEASE OF EMERGENCY PETROLEUM RESERVES

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright attends a working lunch at the “Shield of the Americas” Summit at Trump National Doral in Miami, Fla., on March 7, 2026.  (Rebecca Blackwell / POOL / AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News on Thursday that the administration “is considering waiving the Jones Act for a limited period of time to ensure vital energy products and agricultural necessities are flowing freely to U.S. ports.”

The Iranian regime has threatened increased oil prices as the regime targets commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. 

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“Get ready for oil to be $200 a barrel, because the oil price depends on regional security, which you have destabilised,” Iranian military command spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaqari warned in comments directed toward Washington, Reuters reported.

Fox News’ Patrick Ward contributed to this report.

FOX Business is celebrating small businesses that have been the backbone of American excellence with a campaign in honor of America’s 250th anniversary that will award three winners $25,000 each, the network announced Thursday. 

FOX Business’ “Made in America” contest participants can apply online with a video or written entry at SmallBusinessAwards2026.com. Submissions and nominations will be taken on the website until March 30. 

The three winners will also be featured in a Fox Nation special. 

Fans will participate in their first round of voting for their favorite small businesses beginning on April 13, after the initial submissions are narrowed down to 10 finalists.

MILLIONS OF JOBS VULNERABLE AS ‘SILVER TSUNAMI’ LOOMS OVER US SMALL BUSINESSES, EXPERTS WARN

FOX Business is launching its “Made in America” campaign to give back to small businesses on Thursday, March 12, 2026. (FOX Business)

A panel of judges, which will include FOX Business hosts and executives, will determine the three winners of the “Made in America” contest.

The winners of the campaign will be announced on air and receive an award for their businesses, as well as an oversized check.

The contest victors will be announced during Small Business Week starting on Monday, May 4.

RARE AND ORIGINAL AMERICAN FOUNDING DOCUMENTS TO FLY ON FREEDOM PLANE ACROSS NATION

The U.S. flag waves in front of the White House on April 30, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (J. David Ake/Getty Images)

A plethora of FOX Business hosts and anchors appeared in a promo announcing the campaign. 

“For 250 years, small businesses have been the backbone of America,” “Mornings with Maria” and “Sunday Morning Futures” host Maria Bartiromo said. 

“Built by people who took a chance on themselves and their communities,” “Kudlow” namesake Larry Kudlow added. 

“These are the places where the American story is written,” “Making Money” host Charles Payne said. 

“The Bottom Line” and “The Big Money Show” co-host Brian Brenberg said, “FOX Business is shining a light on the independent hops that keep our country moving,” and his co-host and founding FOX Business anchor Dagen McDowell provided details on the campaign. 

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FOX Business is celebrating small businesses that have been the backbone of American excellence by awarding three with $25,000 each and a feature in a FOX Nation special. (FOX News Media)

The FOX Business “Made in America” campaign is sponsored by Comcast Business and JP Morgan Chase.

America is celebrating its 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026.

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President Donald Trump previewed his “Freedom 250” campaign in December, announcing a series of celebrations to mark the milestone anniversary of the country’s independence.