Iran's Supreme Leader Says U.S. Will Be Forced to Leave Middle East

In a written statement broadcast by Iranian state TV on Monday, September 28, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said the United States would be compelled to withdraw from the Middle East after enduring "painful blows." Khamenei, who has not appeared publicly since the Middle East conflict began in late February, made the comments even as efforts continue to restart negotiations meant to end the military escalation. Without directly naming the United States, he said: "Today, having suffered painful blows at the hands of valiant fighters and the guardians of the Strait of Hormuz, they (the enemies) do not venture beyond the Arabian Sea." He also said: "Whenever they have braved this risk, they have only brought harm upon themselves. It will not be long before the Arabian Sea, too, would rid itself of their presence." The Arabian Sea stretches from the Arabian Peninsula toward India and is a vital maritime corridor leading to Iranian coastal waters and the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Since hostilities intensified in late February, Iran and the United States have been in a confrontation over control of the Strait of Hormuz. Before the fighting started, the maritime choke point handled about one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies. After the conflict began, Tehran blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, and Washington responded with naval measures aimed at Iranian ports.