Iran's Supreme Leader Vows to Defend Nuclear and Missile Programs, Says Only Place for Americans in Persian Gulf is 'Sea Bottom'
Iran's Supreme Leader vows to defend the country's nuclear and missile programs against U.S. pressure, as tensions escalate over oil shipments and control of the Persian Gulf's strategic shipping routes.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has defiantly pledged to defend Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities against President Donald Trump's attempts to restrict them through military strikes and enforced agreements aimed at ending the prolonged conflict. According to a statement broadcast by Iranian state television, Khamenei declared that the only place Americans should be in the Persian Gulf is the 'sea bottom,' signaling a new chapter being written in the region.
The statement comes as Iran's economy faces pressure and its oil industry struggles under a U.S. Navy blockade preventing tanker shipments from leaving ports. Global markets are reeling as Iran continues to control the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical crude oil shipping routes, with Brent crude prices reaching $126 per barrel on April 30.
The oil supply and price crisis is mounting pressure on Trump, who is considering a new plan to establish secure maritime corridors for U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf to export oil and gas. Under this plan, the U.S. would maintain its blockade of Iranian ports while coordinating with allied nations to increase costs on Iran's efforts to restrict free energy flows.
According to classified documents, the U.S. State Department has instructed American diplomats worldwide—except in Belarus, China, Cuba, and Russia—to seek host government support in establishing a 'maritime freedom structure' ensuring unrestricted and unimpeded shipping through the strait. This commitment reflects broad international consensus on the necessity of coordinated action against Iranian maritime provocations and safeguarding navigation rights in the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Trump addressed potential changes to U.S. military deployments in European allied nations, following announcements of reviewing troop levels in Germany. When asked whether he would consider withdrawing U.S. forces from Italy and Spain—both countries in disputes with the U.S. over using bases for Iran-related operations—Trump responded: 'Why wouldn't I? Italy hasn't helped us at all, and Spain is terrible, absolutely terrible.'
