Mojtaba Khamenei claims US will leave Middle East after strikes in Strait of Hormuz

Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has made his first public appearance since succeeding his father in March, via a state television broadcast. He asserted that the United States will eventually depart from the Middle East following what he described as ‘painful blows’ sustained in the Strait of Hormuz.

Khamenei claimed that after facing attacks from fighters and guardians in the Strait, enemies no longer dare to advance beyond the Arabian Sea. He stated that every time they take risks, they only succeed in harming themselves, predicting that the Arabian Sea will soon be free of their presence.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical strategic maritime route, previously handling one-fifth of global hydrocarbons. Following the outbreak of war on February 28, Tehran closed the strait, causing global oil prices to surge, while the United States responded by imposing a blockade on Iranian ports.