Iran's Leader Vows US Exit from Middle East Amid Tensions

Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, asserted on Monday that the United States will inevitably withdraw from the Middle East after sustaining significant setbacks. These remarks were broadcast by state television amidst ongoing diplomatic initiatives aimed at de-escalating the regional conflict.

Khamenei, who has remained out of public view since late February when the current Middle East war began, indicated that adversaries, without explicitly naming the U.S., have been repelled from the Arabian Sea after facing strong resistance. "It will not be long before the Arabian Sea, too, would rid itself of their presence," he stated.

The Arabian Sea is a critical maritime route connecting to Iran's coastlines and the vital Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint that previously handled approximately one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments before the war commenced.

Since the conflict erupted with joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran in February, both Tehran and Washington have engaged in a struggle for control over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran imposed a blockade on the waterway following the war's start, which led to a retaliatory blockade by the U.S. on Iranian ports.

Khamenei's pronouncements coincide with mounting speculation about his health and whereabouts. He ascended to the position of Supreme Leader on March 8, a week after his father, Ali Khamenei, was killed in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on February 28. Reports from sources close to Khamenei's inner circle suggest he sustained facial disfigurement and serious leg injuries in the attack. Despite his official succession being announced months ago, he has not been publicly seen or heard from, fueling rumors within high levels of the regime about his critical condition.

Meanwhile, Qatari mediators are scheduled to hold separate discussions in New York with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. representatives. These talks aim to advance a revised seven-day proposal previously submitted by Iran, which seeks an end to hostilities in Iran and Lebanon, the release of frozen Iranian assets, the lifting of oil sanctions, and the removal of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports. Tehran has indicated that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is contingent upon these conditions being met.

U.S. President Donald Trump had previously rejected Iran's proposal, citing Iran's economic pressures as a motivation for seeking a swift agreement. However, he also indicated that U.S. negotiators would engage in further discussions this week. Araqchi stated on Sunday that Iran had not received a formal rejection from the U.S. and was awaiting Washington's definitive stance before determining its next course of action. He emphasized that only a negotiated resolution could overcome the current impasse.