Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on Thursday said Tehran would stop “enemy’s abuses” and “secure” the Persian Gulf region to ensure security in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, hours after US President Donald Trump declined Iran’s proposal to lift the naval blockade of ships transiting via Iranian ports.
What did Mojtaba Khamenei say?
“With practical gratitude for the blessing of implementing management of the Strait of Hormuz, Islamic Iran will secure the Persian Gulf region and eliminate the hostile enemy’s abuses of this waterway,” Mojtaba Khamenei said in his message on the Persian Gulf day, which was read out by a TV presenter on state broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).
The Iranian leader said the implementation of the new management of the Strait of Hormuz “will bring comfort and progress to the benefit of all the nations of the region, and its economic benefits will make the hearts of the nations happy; God willing, even if the infidels hate it.”
Khamenei, 51, also highlighted the geopolitical and economic importance of the Persian Gulf, calling it a “divine blessing” that has shaped regional identity and serves as a crucial artery for global trade via the Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman.
“A blessing beyond a body of water that has shaped part of our identity and civilisation and, in addition to being a point of connection between nations, has created a vital and unique path for the global economy in the Strait of Hormuz and then the Sea of Oman,” Khamenei said.
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Iran to secure Persian Gulf shipping routes, says Supreme Leader
The Iranian Supreme Leader alleged that Western powers, particularly the United States, have destabilised the region and foreign military presence has historically led to insecurity and conflict
“This strategic capital has aroused the greed of many devils in past centuries, and the history of repeated aggressions by European and American foreigners, insecurities, losses, and numerous threats to the countries of the region are just a corner of the sinister plans of the world’s arrogant powers against the inhabitants of the Persian Gulf region,” he said.
Khamenei said Iran has always resisted foreign influence, including from Portuguese and Dutch colonial forces, as well as British and American involvement, adding that Tehran intends to play a dominant role in safeguarding maritime routes in the Persian Gulf.
“The Islamic Revolution was the turning point of these resistances in cutting off the hands of the arrogant powers from the Persian Gulf region, and today, two months after the largest military campaign and aggression by the world’s bullies in the region and the shameful failure of America in its plan, a new chapter is emerging for the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz,” the Supreme Leader said.
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Trump rejects Iran’s offer
Mojtaba Khamenei’s remarks came after Donald Trump rejected Iran’s proposal for a conditional ceasefire in the Strait of Hormuz, offering to halt military operations if the US lifts the naval blockade.
Trump described the blockade as “genius” and “100% foolproof”, asserting that Tehran would eventually concede to US terms, and no agreement can be reached until it gives up nuclear ambitions.
Iran marks the Persian Gulf Day on April 30 to commemorate the historic defeat of Portuguese colonial forces and their expulsion from Hormuz Island in 1622 by Iranian ruler Abbas I.