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By Open Chronicle with Agencies
Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, declared on Thursday that the country will firmly protect its nuclear and missile programs, describing them as core national assets, as tensions with the United States continue to escalate despite a fragile ceasefire.
In a written statement broadcast on state television, Khamenei adopted a defiant tone, signaling that Tehran is unwilling to compromise on key strategic capabilities. His remarks come at a delicate moment, as Donald Trump reportedly seeks a broader agreement with Iran to stabilize the uneasy truce following recent hostilities.
Khamenei framed Iran’s technological and military advancements as integral to its sovereignty, stating that millions of Iranians view capabilities ranging from biotechnology to missile development as essential to national identity and security. He emphasized that these assets would be defended just as fiercely as the country’s territorial integrity.
The statement coincided with mounting economic and geopolitical pressure. A U.S. naval blockade has significantly restricted Iran’s ability to export oil, a critical source of revenue for the country. At the same time, global markets are reacting sharply. Brent crude prices surged to as high as $126 per barrel amid disruptions linked to Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas flows.
Iran’s grip on the strait has become a central flashpoint. Tehran has reportedly imposed steep transit fees on vessels navigating the narrow corridor, a move widely condemned by Gulf nations and the broader international community, which considers the waterway open for free navigation. Countries such as the United Arab Emirates have criticized Iran’s actions as unlawful and destabilizing.
Khamenei, however, defended Iran’s position, arguing that its oversight of the strait enhances regional security and benefits neighboring states. He also reiterated a long-standing narrative in Iranian leadership, asserting that foreign powers, particularly the United States, have no legitimate role in the Persian Gulf.
The rhetoric extended beyond policy. Referring to the United States as the “Great Satan,” a phrase rooted in post-1979 revolutionary discourse, Khamenei suggested that the region’s future lies in independence from external influence. He declared that a “new chapter” is unfolding in the Gulf, one that prioritizes regional autonomy and cooperation.
The standoff carries significant global implications. The disruption of energy supplies has already contributed to rising fuel costs, placing additional strain on the world economy and intensifying political pressure in Washington ahead of upcoming elections.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts remain uncertain. A recent Iranian proposal suggests postponing negotiations over its nuclear program, a move that may further complicate attempts to reach a comprehensive agreement. The United States has consistently maintained that limiting Iran’s nuclear ambitions remains a central objective, particularly after Tehran enriched uranium to levels approaching weapons-grade purity.
As tensions persist, the balance between military deterrence, economic pressure, and diplomatic engagement appears increasingly fragile, with the Strait of Hormuz at the heart of a confrontation that could reshape the region’s future.