Khamenei’s First Major Statement Sparks Alarm: Iran Boasts of Strikes on U.S. and Israel

Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued his first statement on negotiations with the United States, publishing a written message Tuesday that mixed defiance over the talks with threats against Washington and Israel.

The statement came two days after reports of progress in contacts between Washington and Tehran over a possible agreement to end the Iran war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

“The hands of time will not turn backward, and the nations and countries of the region will no longer serve as shields for American bases,” Khamenei wrote.

He said the United States no longer had a safe position for what he called acts of aggression and military basing in the region, and claimed Washington was drifting further each day from its previous regional status.

Khamenei also threatened Israel, saying the “fragile Zionist regime” was nearing its final days. He invoked a prediction by his predecessor, Ali Khamenei, that Israel would not survive another 25 years.

The Iranian leader praised Iran’s military and the so-called “axis of resistance,” singling out forces in Lebanon in an apparent reference to Hezbollah, which has continued attacks despite ceasefire efforts.

“Their achievements against the armies of the United States and the Zionists in the third war imposed on us were significant,” Khamenei wrote.

He said Iran had struck “the great Satan,” referring to the United States, and “the beast it holds,” referring to Israel, while claiming Tehran was on the path to victory.

The message was issued only in writing, continuing Khamenei’s limited public profile since taking power after the death of Ali Khamenei in the US-Israeli war with Iran.