Nigeria, March 12 -- Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has issued his first statement since he was appointed to take over from his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in missile strikes by Iran and Israel.

The new leader spoke in a televised address on Thursday, Al Jazeera reports.

He called for national unity and said the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has closed due to the war, would continue to be closed.

Mr Khamenei also reportedly said attacks on US bases in the region would continue.

He also indicated that the Houthis of Yemen would join the war, saying the Resistance in Yemen "will also do the job."

Mr Khamenei also thanked Iran's soldiers for standing up to the US and Israel.

"I would like to thank the brave fighte...