Iranian supreme leader’s ally calls for missile strikes on US Navy, closure of Hormuz Strait

A senior Iranian figure closely associated with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called for immediate missile strikes on US naval forces and the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, following an alleged American attack on Iran’s nuclear facility in Fordow.

Hossein Shariatmadari, editor-in-chief of the hardline Kayhan newspaper and widely known for his close ties to Khamenei, issued a stark warning: “After America’s attack on the nuclear facility in Fordow, it is now our turn,” Caliber.Az reports.

Shariatmadari urged Iran to act decisively: “Without hesitation or delay, our first step should be to launch missile strikes on the US Navy fleet based in Bahrain and simultaneously close the Strait of Hormuz to American, British, German, and French vessels.”

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint through which about one-fifth of global oil passes. Any disruption to traffic in the waterway could have serious implications for energy markets and global stability.

While Kayhan is not an official government outlet, it is widely viewed as reflecting the ideological and strategic posture of the Supreme Leader’s inner circle. Shariatmadari has previously referred to himself as a “representative” of Ayatollah Khamenei, lending weight to his statements.

As of now, Iran’s Supreme Leader has not issued an official response to the reported U.S. strike on the Fordow nuclear facility.

To recall, on June 21, reports emerged alleging that the United States conducted airstrikes targeting three Iranian nuclear facilities, including the heavily fortified Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, as well as sites in Natanz and Isfahan. These strikes were described by U.S. President Donald Trump as a "very successful attack" aimed at crippling Iran's nuclear program, with claims that the targeted sites were "completely and fully obliterated." The operation reportedly involved U.S. warplanes, with coordination from Israel, which had conducted prior strikes to weaken Iranian air defenses in the days leading up to the attack.

Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency confirmed attacks on the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities but stated there were "no signs of contamination" following the strikes. Iran's top diplomat warned of "everlasting consequences," signalling Tehran’s intent to reserve the right to retaliate. The Fordow facility, buried deep underground in Iran’s Qom province, is a critical component of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, known for its uranium enrichment activities and considered a "nuclear red line" due to its strategic importance and heavy fortifications.

By Khagan Isayev