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[Herald Economy=Reporter Son Mijeong] Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, issued a hardline statement on the 18th (local time) for Iran Army Day, saying Tehran is prepared to inflict a fresh, bitter defeat on its enemies.In a statement posted on his Telegram channel and carried by state media, Ayatollah Khamenei said, “Just as Iran’s drones strike the United States and the Zionist criminals (Israel) like lightning, our brave navy is likewise ready to deliver a new, bitter defeat to the enemies.”
His specific reference to the navy appears linked to the Iranian foreign minister’s post on X the previous day proposing a temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian military announced it would reclose the strait the following day.
With renewed talk of possible second-round talks with the U.S., the supreme leader’s message can be read as an effort to avoid creating the impression that Iran has preemptively conceded control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Ayatollah Khamenei also stressed that the Islamic Revolution marked a turning point for Iran’s military and that it returned the armed forces to the people.
He added, “The military has forged a narrative against the malicious plans of the United States, residual Pahlavi elements, and separatists. Backed by strong divine and popular support, our forces courageously defend the nation’s territory and flag.”
