March 13, 2026 | 12:52 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - As the Iran war approached its two-week mark on Friday, the leaders of Iran, Israel and the United States struck defiant tones, even as the conflict claimed thousands of lives, rattled financial markets and sent oil prices soaring.
In his first public comments, read on state television, new Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed and warned neighboring countries to shut US bases or risk being targeted.
"I assure everyone that we will not neglect avenging the blood of your martyrs," he said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, saying the campaign is meant to help Iranians topple their leadership.
"We are creating the optimal conditions for toppling the regime but I won't deny that I can't tell you with all certainty that the people of Iran will topple the regime — a regime is toppled from the inside," Netanyahu said. "But we can definitely help and we are helping."
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said the United States and Israel had already "won" the war and argued that higher oil prices would benefit the US as the "largest Oil Producer in the World," while stressing the need to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Trump's comment came as oil prices hovered around $100 a barrel, while US stocks saw major upheaval.
Trump Says US 'Totally Destroying' Iran
President Donald Trump said the United States was "totally destroying" Iran's leadership and military capabilities, warning of a fresh wave of attacks.
"Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today," Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, asserting that Tehran's navy and air force had been effectively wiped out, while the country is economically reeling.
In his late-night post, Trump said Iranian missiles and drones were being "decimated," and signaled further action against Tehran, saying the US has "unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition, and plenty of time."
"They've been killing innocent people all over the world for 47 years, and now I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them," Trump said. "What a great honor it is to do so!"
Read: US Says Russia, China Obstruct UN Sanctions Panel to 'Shield' Iran
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