Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, declared on Tuesday that countries within the region will no longer act as protection for United States military bases.
In a written announcement aired on state media for the Eid al-Adha holiday, Khamenei asserted that regional lands will not provide safety for American military operations.
He stated that the United States is losing its influence in the area daily and can no longer expect a secure environment for its forces.
These comments arise amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts to finalize a deal aimed at concluding the conflict that erupted on February 28. Although a precarious ceasefire has been active since April 8, tensions remain high. Tehran claims progress in negotiations, yet notes that a final agreement remains elusive.
Meanwhile, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards have reported downing a US drone and engaging other aircraft, warning they reserve the right to retaliate against any ceasefire violations.
Conversely, the US Central Command reported recent strikes against Iranian missile sites and boats.
Mojtaba Khamenei assumed leadership after the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, during initial US-Israel strikes in late February, an event that sparked widespread regional retaliation.
