Khamenei: Washington suffered a humiliating defeat, and we will adhere to our nuclear and missile capabilities

The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, announced that the United States of America suffered what he described as a 'humiliating defeat' in its recent confrontation with Tehran. These statements came in a written message broadcast via state television, the first of its kind to provide a comprehensive assessment of the military landscape after the recent tensions in the region.

Khamenei clarified in his message that the region has passed through a difficult two-month period, during which it witnessed the largest military movement and aggression by what he described as 'arrogant powers'. He indicated that the steadfastness of the Iranian state led to the thwarting of American plans that aimed to undermine Iranian national sovereignty and impose Washington's will on Tehran.

The Iranian leader stressed that the next phase will witness new arrangements in the Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz, aimed at enhancing regional stability. He considered that the new management of the strait will positively reflect on all countries in the region, as it will bring calm and economic progress and ensure the flow of common interests away from foreign interventions that destabilize security.

Regarding sensitive strategic issues, Khamenei affirmed that Iran will not back down from protecting its nuclear capabilities and missile programs, describing them as 'national assets' that are non-negotiable. These assurances come at a time when the American administration, led by Donald Trump, is expressing a desire to reach new agreements that restrict these military and technical capabilities.

Media sources indicated that this message is of particular importance as it comes under exceptional circumstances experienced by the Iranian leadership. Mojtaba Khamenei assumed his duties as successor to his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an air attack targeting Tehran on February 28, which placed the new leadership before major security and political challenges.

The message touched upon the necessity of relying on self-capabilities to achieve deterrence, noting that missile power is the primary guarantee to prevent the recurrence of external aggressions. The Iranian leadership affirmed that any attempt to link economic issues with military concessions will be met with absolute rejection, stressing that national sovereignty is above all considerations.

Regarding regional relations, the message called on neighboring countries to cooperate within the framework of the new security system that Tehran seeks to establish in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran believes that the withdrawal of international powers from vital waterways is the only way to ensure the security of international navigation and achieve prosperity for the countries on both sides of the Gulf without external dictates.

In a related context, observers believe that the tone of the speech reflects Iranian insistence on continuing the previous approach despite increasing economic and military pressures. The message suggests that Tehran is preparing for a new round of diplomatic confrontation with Washington, armed with what it describes as the field victory achieved during the past few months.

Finally, the message focused on the moral aspect for the Iranian interior, calling on the people to rally around the leadership in this critical transitional phase. It affirmed that the protection of scientific and military achievements is an existential battle in which the Islamic Republic will not compromise, regardless of the magnitude of threats or sanctions imposed by international powers.

The Islamic Republic will protect its nuclear and missile capabilities as national assets and will not succumb to pressures aimed at seizing them.