DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s supreme leader asserted Thursday that the Islamic Republic will protect its “nuclear and missile capabilities,” which U.S. President Donald Trump has sought to curtail through airstrikes and as part of a broader deal to solidify the fragile ceasefire in the war.
In a statement read by a presenter on Iranian state television, Ayatollah Mojtaba Jamenei said the only place for Americans in the Persian Gulf is “at the bottom of its waters” and that a “new chapter” is being written in the region’s history. Jamenei has not been seen in public since assuming power following his father’s death in the early stages of the war.
The statements approach as the Iranian economy falters and its oil industry has begun to be strangled by a U.S. Navy blockade preventing its tankers from reaching the sea. The global economy is also under pressure as Tehran maintains its tight control over the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of all traded crude oil worldwide passes.
Jamenei’s remarks echo recent statements emphasizing Iran’s resolve in the face of international pressure. The leader also indicated that Iran will maintain control over the strait, which lies in the territorial waters of Iran, and Oman. Reports have surfaced alleging that Tehran has been charging some ships $2 million to transit the strait.
The leader of Iran’s parliament also dismissed the impact of a potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports. This comes as the U.S. Has increased the number of vessels originating from or destined for Iranian ports that it has blocked to 42.
The situation underscores the ongoing tensions in the region and the potential for disruption to global energy supplies. The Iranian supreme leader’s comments signal a firm stance against external pressure and a commitment to protecting the nation’s interests.
