Iran's New Leader Vows Hormuz Blockade, Spiking Treasure Coast Gas Prices Over $4

Iran's newly installed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed Wednesday that Iran's military retaliation throughout the Persian Gulf will continue and that blocking the Strait of Hormuz remains an active strategic option, pushing oil prices back above $100 a barrel — up nearly 40 percent from before the conflict began.

Khamenei, installed this week following the assassination of his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, issued his first wartime statement through Iranian state television. "Certainly, the leverage of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must continue to be used," the statement read. "And opening other fronts where the enemy is highly vulnerable if the war continues will be considered while observing strategic interests." The new supreme leader's father, his wife, son and mother were all killed on the first day of the U.S.-Israeli bombardment, according to officials.

For Treasure Coast families, the surge past $100 a barrel signals rising fuel costs ahead. Florida's coastal economy — already sensitive to seasonal fluctuations in fuel prices that affect fishing, boating, agriculture and freight — faces the prospect of sustained price pressure if the Strait of Hormuz blockade holds. Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties all carry significant agricultural and marine industry sectors directly exposed to diesel and transportation fuel costs.

The United States announced plans to release 172 million barrels from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve, reversing its earlier opposition to an International Energy Agency emergency release measure. Iran's leadership remains largely intact despite 13 days of strikes, according to U.S. intelligence. The United Nations Refugee Agency estimated 3.2 million Iranians have been displaced by the conflict. Iraqi officials said all oil terminals at Basra Port have been completely shut down, and energy infrastructure in Bahrain was also struck Wednesday. Hezbollah launched more than 200 missiles toward Israel overnight — its largest barrage yet — in what Israeli military officials described as the first coordinated attack with Iran.

The Strategic Petroleum Reserve release timeline and any congressional action on emergency energy measures had not been confirmed as of publication.

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