Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has declared that the country’s naval forces are fully prepared to confront and defeat the United States, as tensions escalate over strategic waterways in the Gulf.
In a statement released on Saturday, Khamenei said Iran’s navy “stands ready” to respond decisively to any threat posed by US forces, underscoring Tehran’s growing assertiveness in the region. The remarks come amid renewed friction between the two countries over activities in the Strait of Hormuz — a vital global oil transit route.
The statement signals a hardening stance from Tehran, which has repeatedly warned against foreign military presence near its territorial waters. Iranian officials have long argued that regional security should be managed by countries within the Gulf, not external powers.
Recent encounters between Iranian and US naval vessels have heightened concerns about a potential flashpoint in the narrow waterway, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes.
Washington has yet to formally respond to the latest comments, but US officials have consistently maintained that their naval operations in the area are aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation and protecting international shipping lanes.
