Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has issued his first public statement since assuming power, warning that United States military bases in the Middle East could face attacks if they remain operational.

In a message broadcast on Iranian state television on Thursday, Khamenei declared that the strategic Strait of Hormuz should remain closed, describing the move as a “tool to pressure the enemy” amid escalating tensions in the region.

The new Iranian leader also insisted that all U.S. military bases across the Middle East must be shut down, warning that they would otherwise be considered legitimate targets.

Khamenei’s remarks come just days after he formally succeeded his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

In the statement, the Iranian leader praised the country’s military forces and said attempts to destabilise or divide Iran had failed. He also suggested that Tehran could open “new fronts” in the conflict if hostilities continue.

The comments have heightened fears of further escalation in the Middle East, particularly because the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes, with roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments passing through the narrow waterway.

Analysts say the hardline tone of Khamenei’s first message indicates that Iran may be preparing for a prolonged confrontation with the United States and its allies.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has warned that the bail granted to activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore could be revoked if he fails to appear at the next hearing in his ongoing trial over alleged defamatory comments against Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The warning was issued on Thursday by Justice Mohammed Umar after Sowore and members of his legal team were absent when the case was called.

Sowore, the convener of #RevolutionNow and publisher of Sahara Reporters, is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over claims that he referred to President Tinubu as “a criminal” in posts shared on his social media accounts, including X and Facebook.

During the proceedings, counsel to the DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that the matter was scheduled for the defence to conclude cross-examination of the first prosecution witness. He told the court that the defendant had been duly served with a hearing notice through his lawyers but failed to appear.

Kehinde noted that no explanation had been provided either by Sowore or any member of his legal team for their absence, despite the defence reportedly having about 30 lawyers.

Citing Section 352(1) and (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, the prosecution urged the court to revoke Sowore’s bail and issue a bench warrant to compel his appearance.

However, Justice Umar declined the request for now, noting that the defendant had consistently attended previous hearings since the trial began late last year. The judge said the court would give Sowore the benefit of the doubt since it was his first absence.

He warned, however, that if the defendant fails to appear at the next hearing, the court would not hesitate to revoke his bail and issue an arrest warrant.

The court subsequently adjourned the case until March 16 for continuation of the trial and ordered that another hearing notice be served on the defence.

The U.S. dollar strengthened for a third straight day on Thursday, hovering near its highest level in 2026 as rising energy prices heightened global inflation concerns and forced investors to reconsider expectations for central bank interest-rate policies.

The currency’s rally comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, which have triggered sharp swings in oil markets and raised fears of a prolonged economic shock if the conflict persists.

The greenback’s safe-haven status has boosted demand, particularly as the United States remains a net energy exporter. The surge has placed pressure on currencies of major energy-importing economies.

Since the start of the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran, the Indian Rupee and the Japanese Yen have each weakened by more than 1.5 percent against the United States Dollar. Meanwhile, the Euro and the South Korean Won have fallen roughly 2 percent and 3 percent respectively.

Strategists say Europe’s heavy reliance on imported energy is contributing to the euro’s weakness. Lefteris Farmakis, a strategist at Barclays, noted that the euro typically loses around 0.5 percent for every 10 percent increase in oil prices and about 2.5 percent when natural gas prices double.

The euro slipped slightly to $1.1558, close to its lowest level since November, while the British Pound Sterling fell 0.2 percent to $1.338. The yen also weakened, briefly crossing the 159-per-dollar mark before settling near 158.66, its weakest level since July 2024.

Oil markets remain highly volatile. Brent Crude futures surged more than 10 percent at one point, touching $101.59 per barrel despite efforts by the International Energy Agency to stabilise markets through the release of a record 400 million barrels from strategic reserves.

European natural gas prices have also jumped about 70 percent since the conflict began, at one point doubling within days.

The spike in energy costs is now reshaping expectations around global interest rates. Financial markets indicate that the European Central Bank could raise interest rates as early as June, while the Federal Reserve may delay any rate cuts until September.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington was in “very good shape” in its conflict with Iran, adding that the United States would closely monitor developments around the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments.

Analysts warn that continued volatility in energy markets could further dampen investor confidence and deepen pressure on global currencies in the weeks ahead.