Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei says the United States will be forced to leave the Middle East after suffering “painful blows,” according to a written statement carried by Iranian state television. The statement also refers to “valiant fighters” and the “guardians of the Strait of Hormuz,” and warns that even after taking further risks, the US would face harm.
Multiple outlets report that Khamenei has not been seen in public since fighting began in late February, and that the remarks come amid efforts to revive talks aimed at ending the conflict. The Hindu and other reports cite language in the statement suggesting the “enemies” do not venture beyond the Arabian Sea, though Khamenei does not explicitly name the US in the quoted passage. While outlets largely agree on the core message and context, they differ in emphasis—some focus on the certainty of US withdrawal, while others highlight the timing relative to public appearances and peace efforts.
