Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said regional countries would “no longer be shields” for American military bases, while warning that the United States would no longer enjoy secure positions in the Middle East.
In a message issued on the occasion of Haj, Khamenei said the US would no longer have a “safe haven for mischief and the establishment of military bases in the region.” His remarks came amid heightened tensions following months of conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Khamenei also praised Iran’s armed forces for their role during the recent confrontation, commending what he described as the “valiant warriors and self-sacrificing armed forces” of the country.
Furthermore, the Iranian leader claimed that Iranian forces had struck both the United States and Israel during the conflict. Referring to Washington as the “Great Satan” and Israel as the “Zionist regime,” Khamenei accused both countries of aggression against Iran and the wider region.
The comments reflected Tehran’s increasingly confrontational rhetoric toward the US military presence across the Gulf and neighbouring countries. Iranian officials have repeatedly criticised regional governments for hosting American military facilities and supporting Washington’s security policies.
Khamenei’s message also came as diplomatic efforts continued to secure a permanent agreement aimed at ending the recent US-Israeli war on Iran. Although a ceasefire remains in place, tensions have persisted following reported military incidents in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian leaders have continued to frame the conflict as a demonstration of resistance against Western influence in the Middle East, while also urging regional countries to distance themselves from American military cooperation.
The United States has not immediately responded to Khamenei’s latest remarks.
