Iran's New Supreme Leader Khamenei Publicly Declares the Strait of Hormuz Must Remain Closed

The timing of his statement was also quite strategic—4:30 PM Iranian time, which is just before the opening of US stock markets, combined with their recent intentions to launch attacks on US soil. Iran does have many capable people internally who are striking at the vital points, hoping to exploit Trump's weaknesses to gain leverage, namely exacerbating inflation and cost of living. If Iran can drag out the conflict until the November 3rd election day, mainstream media analysis currently suggests the Republicans will inevitably lose in the midterm elections. The core ceasefire window is April to May 2026, before summer—before the peak vacation season for Americans.