The Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, has declared that the United States will have no safe haven in the Middle East and that Israel is approaching its end, even as Tehran and Washington engage in negotiations to finalize a peace agreement.
Hajj Statement Condemns Western Nations
Marking the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Khamenei released a lengthy statement issuing fresh condemnations and threats against Western nations. He claimed that regional countries would no longer serve as 'shields' for American bases.
'The United States not only will no longer have a safe haven for its mischief and for establishing military bases in the region but day by day, it is growing more distant from its former status,' Khamenei said. 'The shaken Zionist regime and the cancerous tumor of Israel are likewise approaching the final stages of their wretched existence,' he added in the statement published on his official website.
Negotiations in Doha Continue
The threats came as Iranian negotiators are in Doha for the latest round of talks aimed at ceasing hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's foreign ministry has indicated that understandings have been reached on many issues, but warned that an agreement is not yet imminent.
Tensions remain high, as US forces attacked missile sites in southern Iran and boats attempting to lay mines on Monday, according to US Central Command, imperiling the fragile ceasefire. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed on Tuesday to have attacked a US F-35 fighter jet and intercepted an American drone. The IRGC stated it has the right to retaliate against any actions violating the ceasefire agreement.
