On the 18th (local time), Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a hard-line message to the United States and Israel on Iranian Army Day.
In a written statement, Khamenei said, \"Just as Iran's drones strike the United States and Zionist criminals like lightning, our valiant navy stands ready to deliver a new, bitter defeat to the enemies.\"
Analysts say the supreme leader's tough rhetoric appears intended to prevent any impression that Iran has already conceded on plans to block the strait ahead of a second round of talks with the U.S.
Khamenei described the former Pahlavi dynasty as a \"corrupt, oppressive regime\" and said the Islamic Revolution marked a turning point for Iran's military. He told troops that the armed forces have forged a narrative confronting the \"evil schemes\" of the United States, remnants of the Pahlavi era and separatists, and he encouraged them: \"As in the two previous wars forced upon us, the armed forces—backed by strong divine and popular support—bravely defend the homeland's territory and flag.\"
Meanwhile, Khamenei, who was elevated on the 9th of last month, has not released any public audio; this message, too, was issued only in writing via Telegram channels and state media.
