Iran warns US over Hormuz, pledges to defend nuclear capability
Mojtaba Khamenei on Thursday issued a strong warning to the United States, saying new management of the Strait of Hormuz would bring stability while curbing what he described as “enemy abuses”.
In a statement broadcast on Iranian state television, Khamenei asserted that Iran would firmly protect its strategic capabilities, including its nuclear and missile programmes.
‘National assets will be protected’
Khamenei said Iran’s technological and defence capabilities are integral to its sovereignty.
“Ninety million proud and honourable Iranians… regard all of Iran’s identity-based, spiritual, human, scientific, industrial and technological capacities — from nanotechnology and biotechnology to nuclear and missile capabilities — as national assets,” he said.
He added that these assets would be defended in the same way as the country’s territory and airspace.
Sharp remarks on US presence in Gulf
The Iranian leader also made pointed remarks about the US presence in the region, stating that Americans have no place in the Persian Gulf.
“The only place Americans belong… is at the bottom of its waters,” he said, referring to tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route.
Vision of region ‘without America’
Khamenei further claimed that the future of the Persian Gulf region would not involve US influence.
“By God’s help… the bright future of the Persian Gulf region will be a future without America, one serving the progress, comfort and prosperity of its people,” he said.
He also emphasised regional cooperation among Gulf nations, calling foreign intervention unnecessary.
Trump claims Iran in ‘state of collapse’
Earlier, Donald Trump said Iran had conveyed that it was in a “state of collapse” and was seeking the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
“They want us to open the Hormuz Strait as soon as possible,” Trump said in a social media post, adding that internal divisions within Iran could be resolved through negotiations.
However, there has been no official confirmation regarding the communication channels or intermediaries involved.
US stance remains firm on nuclear deal
Despite reports of a possible Iranian proposal to end hostilities in exchange for easing restrictions, the US administration signalled caution.
Marco Rubio said any agreement must ensure that Iran cannot rapidly develop nuclear weapons.
“We have to ensure that any deal… definitively prevents them from sprinting towards a nuclear weapon at any point,” Rubio said.
Diplomatic efforts continue amid tensions
The reported proposal, conveyed via Pakistan, comes as Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Russia, a key ally of Tehran.
While discussions continue behind the scenes, both sides appear far from reaching a breakthrough, with tensions in the region remaining high.
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