The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed “as a lever against enemies”, just as “the American bases” in the region will have to be closed and will continue to be the target of Iranian attacks “despite the friendship with the countries that host them”. The blood shed in recent days by the Iranians “will be avenged”, in particular that of the children of the Minab school, and “compensation will be collected”. These are the announcements, promises and threats of the Iranian Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, in his first message – audio and non-video – to the nation. A nation that calls for unity and that has been able to “dispel the enemies’ illusion of dividing it”.
“The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz must certainly continue to be used, indicated the ayatollah who goes further. «Studies have been conducted on the opening of other fronts where the enemy has little experience and would be seriously vulnerable», options that «will be activated if the state of war persists and in accordance with the national interest». In his speech the Iranian leader stated that «the will of the people is to continue an effective and punitive defense», maintaining that the Iranian fighters have «blocked the path of the enemy with devastating blows” and have “dispelled their illusion of being able to dominate and perhaps divide our homeland”.
Khamenei particularly praised the “steadfastness, courage and presence” of the Iranian population during the war. The leader also underlined that national unity must remain intact, warning that “the unity between the various layers of the nation, which manifests itself in moments of difficulty, must not be compromised” and that to maintain it “it is necessary to put aside points of disagreement”. He did not fail to thank the axis that supported him: «Yemen, Hezbollah and the Iraqi resistance». Just as he mourned the fallen, including his family: his father, wife, sister and nephew.
A significant part of the speech was dedicated to the countries of the region. Khamenei said that Iran considers its neighbors “friends” and that Tehran has always wanted “cordial and constructive relations with all of them.” However, he accused the United States of having “gradually established bases, both military and financial, in some of these countries to ensure its dominance over the region.” According to the Iranian leader, some of these bases were used in attacks against Iran. “Some military bases were used in the recent attack,” he said, adding that Iran targeted “only those bases, without carrying out any aggression against those countries.”
Khamenei then called on governments in the region to “clarify their position towards the aggressors of our homeland” and advised them to “close those bases as soon as possible”. In his speech, the Iranian leader also accused his enemies of having struck civilian targets, citing in particular “the atrocities committed by the enemy” and the attack on the school in Minab, assuring that these episodes “will receive special attention”.