'Will protect Iran's nuclear, missile capabilities'; Gulf will have a future without United States, says Mojtaba Khamenei

TEHRAN: Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has said that the country will protect its nuclear and missile capabilities. He stated that Iran has a long history of bravely resisting aggression and this will continue. Khamenei also said that the instability in the Gulf region is caused by the presence of US forces. He added that there will be a future for the Gulf without the United States.

He questioned how the US can provide security in the Gulf when it cannot even protect its own military bases. Referring to ongoing tensions and military actions in the region over the past two months, Khamenei claimed that the US has been defeated and embarrassed in the Strait of Hormuz. He added that a new chapter will be written in the Persian Gulf and Hormuz.

“Over the past centuries, Hormuz has witnessed the greed of many powers. Since the U.S.-Israel war against Iran began at the end of February, the Iranian people have seen with their own eyes the firm, vigilant, and brave resistance of Iranian forces. However, the United States cannot even ensure the security of its own military bases,” Khamenei said mockingly.

Khamenei said that Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities are viewed by the Iranian people as vital as the nation’s capital. He added that these will be protected just like the country’s water, land, and air borders. His remarks came after repeated statements by former U.S. President Donald Trump that Iran’s nuclear capabilities would be completely destroyed.