Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei declared Thursday that the Islamic Republic will protect its nuclear and missile capabilities, signaling a hardened stance as the Trump administration pursues a broader agreement to stabilize a fragile three-week ceasefire in the region. The remarks underscore the divergence between Tehran's negotiating position and Washington's diplomatic objectives.
Khamenei's statement coincided with mounting economic pressure on Iran. The country's oil industry faces a U.S. Navy blockade, while Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt global energy flows. World oil prices climbed above $126 a barrel on Thursday, reflecting market concerns over sustained supply constraints.
The Iranian leader also made inflammatory comments about American presence in the Persian Gulf, saying Americans belong "at the bottom" of the waterway. His rhetoric reflects broader tensions as the Trump administration attempts to coordinate with other nations to reopen the strategic strait and restore stability to global commerce.
