Iran’s New Supreme Leader (Sort Of) Speaks Out

Iran’s New Supreme Leader (Sort Of) Speaks Out

Published: March 12, 2026

Duration: 42:11

Today, the new Iranian Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, gave his first statement pledging to continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz.

This was delivered not by Khamenei himself, but by a newsreader on Iranian state TV speaking over a photo of him, sparking further speculation as to his health and whereabouts.

Alex and James are joined by Jane Corbin, Panorama film maker, and Baran Abbasi, reporter and presenter for BBC Persian, to discuss what to make of the new Supreme Leader’s statement.

Plus, diplomatic correspondent, James Landale, joins Alex and James from Kyiv to...