**US Warns Iran's New Leader May Be Weakened, Downplays Strait of Hormuz Concerns** In a press conference on Friday, US Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth, expressed concerns about the new Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei. According to Hegseth, Iran's new leader may be 'wounded' and 'disfigured' following his first public address on Thursday. This statement appears to be a response to Khamenei's call to block the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for international oil and goods trade. Hegseth also stated that despite Iran's threat to block the Strait of Hormuz, the US will not be intimidated. He announced that the US will increase its military strikes over Iranian skies, with the highest number of sorties and bomber pulses yet. This move is seen as a show of strength by the US to counter Iran's aggressive stance. The Strait of Hormuz has been the focal point of the escalating crisis between the US and Iran. Ship passage through the waterway has been halted, pushing oil prices to record levels. Iran has threatened to retaliate with a blockade, but Hegseth dismisses the concerns, saying that the US will not be affected. This development has significant implications for Nigeria, which relies heavily on oil imports. Any disruption to oil supplies could have a ripple effect on the country's economy. However, it is unclear how the ongoing US-Iran crisis will play out in the long term. Meanwhile, Hegseth's comment about Iran's new leader being 'wounded and likely disfigured' has sparked speculation about Khamenei's health and legitimacy. This could potentially weaken Iran's stance in the crisis, but only time will tell how events unfold. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the US will not back down in its confrontation with Iran. The implications of this crisis for Nigeria and the global economy remain to be seen.