Iran’s Supreme Leader says Gulf will no longer serve as shield for US bases
TEHRAN, IRAN: Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, declared on Tuesday, May 26, that the United States would no longer enjoy a secure military footing in the Gulf, warning that regional nations would cease acting as “shields” for American bases as tensions remain high despite an active ceasefire.
In a written message issued to mark the Islamic Hajj season, Khamenei described the emergence of a “new order” in both the Gulf and the wider international system, portraying Washington as a declining power increasingly isolated in the region.
“The United States not only will no longer have a safe haven for its mischief and for establishing military bases in the region but day by day, it is growing more distant from its former status,” Khamenei said in the address.
Iran's new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei and his late father during a rally in Tehran on March 9, 2026. The US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran starting February 28, prompting Iran to retaliate with missiles and drones targeting Israel and US allies in the region (Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)Khamenei issues fresh warning against Israel
Khamenei also intensified rhetoric against Israel, claiming its leadership was nearing “the final stages of their wretched existence,” comments likely to heighten concerns across the region as diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes.
The remarks come more than 10 weeks after Khamenei was elevated as Iran’s supreme leader following the assassination of his father, Ali Khamenei. Despite assuming the country’s top position, the new leader has yet to appear publicly, communicating instead through written statements released by state channels.
His latest message arrives at a sensitive moment in negotiations between Iran and the United States, as both sides attempt to finalize language for a potential agreement aimed at formally ending the conflict that erupted in late February.
US launches ‘self-defense strikes’
Even as ceasefire talks continue, military tensions remain active around the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping corridors.
According to the United States Central Command, American forces carried out “self-defense strikes” on Monday targeting Iranian missile launch positions and boats allegedly attempting to place naval mines in southern Iranian waters.
“US forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces,” CENTCOM spokesperson Timothy Hawkins said in a statement.
He added that the targets included “missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines,” while emphasizing that US forces were acting with restraint during the ongoing ceasefire.
Fragile diplomacy amid military pressure
The latest developments point out the fragile nature of the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, with negotiations proceeding alongside continued military maneuvers in and around the Gulf.
Khamenei’s message appears aimed at reinforcing Iran’s regional posture and projecting strength domestically as diplomatic discussions continue. At the same time, the US military response near the Strait of Hormuz signals that Washington remains prepared for rapid escalation should threats to American forces or maritime security intensify.
