Tehran, Iran – Web Desk: Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has declared that the future of the Persian Gulf will be “bright without the presence of America,” asserting that there is no place for foreign elements in the region.
In a statement released by state media on the occasion of National Persian Gulf Day, Khamenei said that Tehran and its Gulf neighbors share a common destiny. “Today, after two months of the world’s biggest campaign and aggression, and after America’s shameful failure in its plan, a new chapter is emerging in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz,” he stated.
Persian Gulf Day commemorates the withdrawal of Portuguese forces from the Strait of Hormuz in 1622.
Future of the Gulf ‘without America’
Khamenei said the Strait of Hormuz has been the focus of “the greed of many devils” for centuries. Following the US-Israel war that began in late February, the Iranian people have witnessed with their own eyes the “beautiful manifestations” of Iranian forces’ steadfastness, vigilance, and brave struggle, he added.
“The bright future of the Persian Gulf will be without America. There is no place for foreign elements in the region,” the Supreme Leader declared. “It will be dedicated to the development, peace, and prosperity of the people of the region.”
US presence causes insecurity
Khamenei blamed the US military presence for regional insecurity, stating that American and Israeli attacks on Iran and subsequent operations have made the region unsafe. “It has been proven that the presence of America and its bases in the Gulf countries are the biggest cause of insecurity in the region,” he said.
“America’s puppet bases themselves do not have the capability to ensure their own security, so what protection can they provide to their supporters?” he added.
Iran to fiercely defend nuclear, missile capabilities
The Supreme Leader also vowed that Iran will fiercely defend its nuclear and missile capabilities, which he described as national capital. His comments appeared to be a response to recent US statements about eliminating these programs.
“The Iranian people consider these capabilities as national capital and will protect them just as they protect their water, land, and air borders,” Khamenei asserted.
The statement comes amid heightened regional tensions following a US naval blockade and deadlocked ceasefire talks. Neither the White House nor Gulf Cooperation Council members have officially responded to Khamenei’s remarks.
