Mojtaba Khamenei: A New Chapter Forms in the Gulf and the Region's Future Will Be "Without an American Presence"

Iranian state television published today, Thursday, a written statement attributed to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, in which he said that Iran "does not seek war, but will not give up its national rights under any circumstances," according to him.

Mojtaba said in the statement that "a new chapter is forming in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz," considering that "the new administration of the Strait of Hormuz will bring calm and progress, as well as economic benefits to all Gulf countries," adding that "the future of the region will be without an American presence and in the service of the security and well-being of its peoples," according to him.

Khamenei added that what he described as "the enemy's hostile media campaign" seeks to manipulate the minds and hearts of the people, and aims primarily to undermine our national unity and national security," in his words.

Mojtaba called on the Iranian people to be vigilant against what he described as "desperate attempts" to destabilize the country, and that "we maintain our internal cohesion as we always have."

He continued, "Tehran shares a common destiny with its neighbors in the Gulf region, while foreigners who commit evil have no place except in the depths of the waters," according to him.

The publication of this statement comes amidst ongoing regional tensions, and repeated American and Israeli statements regarding the situation in Iran, amidst the absence of public appearances by the new Leader Mojtaba Khamenei since taking office, which has sparked widespread controversy about his health and actual status.

Iranian television had previously read statements attributed to him, without him appearing in person, which led observers to question the credibility of these messages and who is actually behind their drafting.