Iran’s reclusive new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei broke his weeks-long silence on Thursday with a written statement read on state television, declaring that the only place Americans belong in the Persian Gulf is “at the bottom of its waters” and that Iran will protect its “nuclear and missile capabilities” as a national asset.
He has not been seen in public since taking over from his assassinated father in February.
The defiant message came as Brent crude briefly topped $126 a barrel, a four-year high.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told the Senate that the 60-day War Powers clock requiring congressional approval “pauses” during the ceasefire, a position immediately rejected by Senator Tim Kaine.
CENTCOM has prepared a “short and powerful” wave of new strikes on Iranian targets around the Strait of Hormuz.
Top US General Confirms Russia Aiding Iran War
US General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday that Russia is “definitely” providing material
1 May 2026
