On Thursday, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei made a notable online appearance with a resolute message directed at the United States, despite ongoing rumors about his health and impending need for a prosthetic leg.
In a statement released for Persian Gulf Day, Khamenei expressed unwavering support for Iran’s military initiatives while President Donald Trump advocates for renewed negotiations, all while U.S. officials maintain pressure on Tehran concerning the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Khamenei stated that Iran will steadfastly protect its “nuclear and missile capabilities,” asserting that the only acceptable location for American military forces in the Persian Gulf is “at the bottom of its waters.”
He declared, “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,” according to translations of his remarks.
Khamenei emphasized a shared destiny with neighboring nations, condemning foreign intervention as greed-driven and without place in the region, except as he stated, “at the bottom of its waters.”
A new chapter for the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz is unfolding.
— Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei (@MKhamenei_ir) April 30, 2026
His statements paint the U.S. as an unwelcome foreign force, framing Iran as the rightful guardian of stability within the region.
Khamenei noted that two months following what he described as a significant military setback for the U.S., a new era is beginning in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
He labeled Iran’s scientific and defense endeavors as vital national assets that will be fiercely defended, akin to the protection of the nation’s borders.
“Ninety million brave and honorable Iranian compatriots … consider all the capacities of identity, spirituality, humanity, science, industry and basic and new technologies, from nano and bio to nuclear and missile, as their national capital and will guard them like water, land and air borders,” he affirmed.
Khamenei also pledged to leverage Iran’s position in the Strait of Hormuz to thwart hostile activities.
“With practical gratitude for the blessing of implementing management of the Strait of Hormuz, Islamic Iran will secure the Persian Gulf region and eliminate the hostile enemy’s abuses of this waterway,” he stated.
As Khamenei’s statements circulated, U.S. defense officials braced for further scrutiny on Capitol Hill regarding the ongoing Iran conflict and potential strategies if diplomatic efforts remain stagnant.
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