Iran supreme leader issues defiant statement on strait of Hormuz
Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei has issued a defiant statement asserting Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz, vowing to counter perceived foreign abuses and protect its nuclear and missile programs. The statement comes amid a prolonged standoff with the United States, which has imposed a counter-blockade on Iranian oil exports since April 13, contributing to a sharp rise in global oil prices. With diplomatic talks stalled and vessel traffic in the strait drastically reduced, Iran proposes new regional management of the waterway while avoiding terminology like 'tolls' to frame its actions as legitimate sovereignty.
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Iranians rally in Tehran to show support for the country’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. Photograph: Abedin Taherkenareh/EPAView image in fullscreenIranians rally in Tehran to show support for the country’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. Photograph: Abedin Taherkenareh/EPAIranIran supreme leader issues defiant statement on strait of HormuzMojtaba Khamenei says Tehran will eliminate ‘enemy’s abuses of the waterway’ and guard its nuclear and missile programmes US politics live – latest updates Patrick Wintour Diplomatic editorThu 30 Apr 2026 09.34 EDTLast modified on Thu 30 Apr 2026 09.35 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleIran’s supreme leader has broken his recent silence with a defiant statement hailing Iran’s control over shipping in the strait of Hormuz and vowing to guard the…
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