Tehran

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Tuesday warned that countries in West Asia would no longer act as protective buffers for American military installations in the region, amid escalating tensions in the Gulf and broader West Asia.

Khamenei made the remarks during an address marking the beginning of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

In a post on X, he stated, “The course of time cannot be reversed, and the nations and territories of the region will no longer serve as shields for American military bases. The United States will no longer enjoy a secure environment for interference and expansion of military infrastructure in the region.”

According to an earlier Al Jazeera report citing the Council on Foreign Relations, the United States maintains an extensive military footprint across at least 19 locations in the Middle East, including bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, the UAE and Qatar.

Khamenei also launched a sharp attack on the United States and Israel through a series of social media posts. Calling for unity among Muslims, he urged pilgrims to pray for “the liberation of Palestine and Al-Aqsa Mosque,” relief from the hardships faced by Muslims, and “ultimate victory against global arrogance.”

He further said that Islamic nations in the region share common strengths and interests, which could play a defining role in shaping a new regional and global order.

Meanwhile, as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran continue over a possible peace agreement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated the American position on maintaining unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Rubio strongly opposed Iran’s reported proposal for a tolling system in the strategic waterway.

“The Strait of Hormuz must remain open without tolls. What is happening there is unlawful, unsustainable and unacceptable. No country in the world supports such a system except Iran,” Rubio said.

Speaking about ongoing negotiations with Tehran, he said US President Donald Trump had held discussions with several regional leaders and that there was broad agreement on the framework of a possible preliminary deal.

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“There is strong alignment on what the initial draft should look like. It may take a few more days to finalise. Either there will be a good agreement, or there won’t be one at all,” Rubio added.