TEHRAN – Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, said on Thursday that Iran would continue to target United States military bases across the region until they are shut down, warning that any remaining bases could face further attacks.
In his first recorded statement since assuming leadership, Khamenei said Iran does not seek confrontation with neighbouring countries and emphasised that Tehran’s actions are directed solely at American military presence in the region.
“Iran believes in friendship and cooperation with its neighbours,” Khamenei said, according to state media excerpts from the speech. “Our operations are directed only at US bases.”
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He added that all US military installations across the region “must be closed immediately,” warning that they would otherwise remain potential targets for Iranian strikes.
The statement comes amid heightened regional tensions following a series of military exchanges involving Iran, the United States and Israel, which have raised concerns over the stability of the Gulf region and the safety of key strategic routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
Khamenei’s remarks signal a hardline stance from Iran’s new leadership at a time when regional governments are urging restraint and calling for diplomacy to prevent further escalation.
