Investing.com -- Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said the Strait of Hormuz should remain closed, marking his first public statement since taking power following his father’s assassination.

The comments were published Thursday on Iranian state television and indicate the new leader intends to maintain the blockade of the vital waterway.

Khamenei thanked the military and urged a record turnout at rallies across Iran. He stated that Iran would not give up on avenging an attack on a school.

"We believe in friendship with our neighbors," Khamenei said, adding that Iran only targets bases and will continue to do so.

The Supreme Leader said Iran will seek compensation from its enemies and called on regional countries to close U.S. bases. He also warned that other fronts will be opened if the war persists.

President Donald Trump commented on the situation Thursday on Truth Social, writing that the United States is the largest oil producer in the world and benefits when oil prices rise. However, Trump said his greater priority as president is preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and destabilizing the Middle East and the world. "I won’t ever let that happen," Trump wrote.