Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei stated on Tuesday that regional countries will no longer act as shields for American military bases, in a written message released by state television. The remarks were part of his Eid Al-Adha holiday message, and mark his first significant public statement since assuming office in March.
Key Statements from the Supreme Leader
Khamenei emphasized that "the hands of time will not turn backwards, and the nations and lands of the region will no longer serve as shields for American bases." He further asserted that the United States "in addition to no longer having any safe haven in the region for aggression and the establishment of military bases, is moving further and further away from its former position with each passing day."
Ongoing Ceasefire and Diplomatic Efforts
The statement comes amid continued exchanges between Iran and the United States aimed at reaching a deal to end the war that began on February 28 and escalated across the region. A fragile ceasefire has been in place since April 8. Iran's foreign ministry has indicated that Tehran and Washington have reached understandings on many issues, but cautioned that a final agreement is not yet imminent.
Military Incidents and Tensions
On Tuesday, Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced they had downed a US drone and fired at other aircraft attempting to enter Iranian airspace, though no specific timeline was provided. The Guards warned "against any violation of the ceasefire by the aggressor US military and considers its right to reciprocal response legitimate and certain."
On Monday, the US Central Command reported that its forces attacked missile sites in southern Iran and targeted boats attempting to lay mines, despite the ceasefire. Iran has not officially confirmed the US attack, but state media reported explosions in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, without identifying the source.
Background on Leadership Change
Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, succeeded his father Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the opening US-Israel strikes on February 28. Those strikes triggered retaliatory attacks by Tehran across the region, leading to the ongoing conflict.
