‘Claim to Secure the Strait of Hormuz’: Khamenei ( Secure) 

Tehran: Launching a scathing attack on the United States, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has described US military bases located in West Asia as “paper tigers.” He asserted that if these bases cannot even ensure their own security, how could they possibly provide security     ( Secure)  for the region? In a post on the social media platform X, Khamenei also took aim at US allies. He stated, “America’s paper-tiger-like bases cannot even keep themselves safe, let alone provide security for the US-backed entities in the region.” This statement by Mojtaba Khamenei comes at a time when tensions between Iran, the US, and Israel are continuously escalating, even as diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation remain ongoing.

‘The Persian Gulf Is Our Identity’
In another post, Khamenei described the Persian Gulf not merely as a body of water, but as an integral part of his nation’s identity and civilization. He characterized the region as a vital conduit connecting various nations and a route of immense importance to the global economy. In a message issued on the occasion of Persian Gulf Day, Khamenei declared that, in the near future, the Gulf region would be free of any US presence. He emphasized that the destinies of the regional nations are intertwined and that distant foreign powers should refrain from interfering in the region’s affairs. He stated, “By the grace of God, the future of the Persian Gulf will be bright—a future devoid of the US presence—and this region will serve to foster the progress and prosperity of its people.”

Claim to Secure the Strait of Hormuz
Khamenei also asserted his nation’s commitment to ensuring the security of the Strait of Hormuz, warning that his country would respond to any “hostile activity.” He accused Western nations of maintaining a military presence that has historically served only to fuel instability and conflict within the region. Khamenei stated that recent developments make it clear that external powers are incapable of maintaining stability here. Iran has also sent a new proposal aimed at de-escalating the ongoing tensions with the United States. According to Iran’s state-run agency, IRNA, this proposal was conveyed to the U.S. through Pakistan. However, U.S. President Donald Trump has already signaled his intention to reject the proposal.