Nine To Noon Lyse Doucet on Iran supreme leader's first statement
Mar 12, 2026
Lise Doucette, BBC chief international correspondent who reports from conflict zones, gives on-the-ground analysis. She breaks down the significance of the new supreme leader's statement and who really holds power in Tehran. She explains Iran's turn to asymmetric and economic warfare, the threats to the Strait of Hormuz, and the regional collateral damage.
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Unseen Supreme Leader Still Signals Continuity
- Mustafa Khomeini issued a written statement despite being unseen and reportedly injured.
- The rare public message signals continuity with his hardline father's stance and ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Iran's Shift To Asymmetric Warfare
- Iran is engaging in asymmetric warfare rather than conventional battle against superior forces.
- Attacks focus on U.S. military bases, proxies and crippling economic chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz to impose wider costs.
Oil Leverage Is Iran's Strategic Weapon
- Iran is using economic leverage in oil and gas to sustain a prolonged conflict.
- By threatening and disrupting the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf infrastructure, Iran aims to push oil prices up and strain adversaries politically.