Mojtaba Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, has issued a new threat. The hardline leader has broken his silence, declaring the only place for Americans in the Persian Gulf “is at the bottom of its waters”, in a chilling statement carried by Iranian state TV.
Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen or heard from publicly since taking power, also claimed Tehran’s “new management” of the Strait of Hormuz would “bring calm and progress” – along with economic benefits for all nations. But he paired that message with a stark warning, vowing Iran would eliminate “the enemy’s abuses of the waterway”. He added that while countries in the region share a common fate, “foreigners who commit evil” have no future there. In a separate message posted on social media, he said: “A new chapter for the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz is unfolding.”
The Supreme Leader also added on Thursday that the Islamic Republic will defend its “nuclear and missile capabilities” as a vital national asset, despite efforts by Donald Trump to secure a deal limiting them.
The remarks came in a written statement read out on Iranian state television – the same method he has used since taking power.
“Ninety million proud and honorable Iranians inside and outside the country regard all of Iran’s identity-based, spiritual, human, scientific, industrial and technological capacities” he said, “from nanotechnology and biotechnology to nuclear and missile capabilities – as national assets, and will protect them just as they protect the country’s waters, land and airspace.”
There had been persistent reports that the reclusive leader – who succeeded his father after he was killed in US-Israeli strikes – may be seriously injured, amid his continued absence from public view
The remarks come amid heightened tensions following the war with the US and Israel, which began on February 28, and signal Tehran’s intent to take a more assertive role in the region.
On Wednesday, Iran has issued a chilling warning of an “unprecedented” military attack against a US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
State media claimed ongoing American “maritime piracy” would soon be met with “practical and unprecedented military action”.
As part of Thursday’s address, Khamenei said: “By God’s help and power, the bright future of the Persian Gulf region will be a future without America, one serving the progress, comfort and prosperity of its people,”
“We and our neighbors across the waters of the Persian Gulf and the (Gulf) of Oman share a common destiny.
“Foreigners who come from thousands of kilometers away to act with greed and malice there have no place in it – except at the bottom of its waters.”
Iran’s economy is reported to be reeling as a US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz sends the rial to a record low, piling pressure on the regime amid stalled ceasefire talks.
