Iran's Supreme Leader says "new chapter emerging" for Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz after US' "shameful failure" in the region
Tehran, April 30
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba on Thursday said a "new chapter is emerging" for the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, following what he described as the "shameful failure" of the United States in the region amid geopolitical tensions due to the Islamic Republic's recent confrontation with Washington and the power struggle between the two sides over the virtual control of the strategic waterway.
In his remarks on the occasion of Persian Gulf Day, carried by state broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), Khamenei said regional dynamics were shifting after the recent geopolitical confrontations, claiming that foreign influence in the Gulf was weakening.
He stated that the Iranian nation had made "major sacrifices" over centuries to preserve regional independence and resist foreign domination.
Referring to historical events, Khamenei cited the expulsion of Portuguese forces from Hormuz in the 17th century and resistance against Dutch and British colonial presence as part of Iran's long-standing struggle against external powers, noting that Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution marked a turning point, which led to the reduction of foreign influence in the region.
"The Islamic Revolution was the turning point of these resistances in cutting off the hands of the arrogant powers from the Persian Gulf region, and today, two months after the largest military campaign and aggression by the world's bullies in the region and the shameful failure of America in its plan, a new chapter is emerging for the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz," Khamenei said.
The Supreme Leader also referred to recent months, claiming that developments in the region demonstrated the role of Iran's military forces, including its army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), in maintaining deterrence and opposing foreign presence.
He further alleged that the presence of US forces in the Persian Gulf contributes to regional insecurity and questioned Washington's ability to ensure stability for its allies in the region.
"The nations of the Persian Gulf region, who had been accustomed for many years to the silence and humiliation of their rulers in the face of bullies and aggressors, have witnessed with their own eyes, in the past sixty days, the beautiful manifestations of the steadfastness, vigilance, and courageous struggle of the naval forces of the Army and the IRGC, alongside the zeal and chivalry of the people and youth of the beloved southern region of Iran in rejecting foreign domination," the Iranian leader said.
The message comes on the occasion of the Persian Gulf Day, observed annually on April 30 in Iran, which commemorates a historic victory against colonial forces and is often used to reinforce national sovereignty narratives tied to the Gulf and its strategic waterways.
The occasion marks the historic defeat of Portuguese colonial forces and their expulsion from Hormuz Island in 1622.
According to Press TV, Iranian ruler Abbas I led forces that defeated the Portuguese on Hormuz Island, ending a two-decade conflict and bringing a close to roughly a century of foreign control over the Persian Gulf.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The historical parallels they're drawing—expelling Portuguese, Dutch, British—are powerful for any former colonial nation. But let's not forget that Iran's regional ambitions also create tension for countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. India has to balance its Chabahar port cooperation with Iran while maintaining ties with Gulf Arab states. Tricky diplomacy ahead.
🌊 "Shameful failure of America" is quite the claim. While I understand Iran's frustration with US sanctions and military presence, calling it a new chapter seems premature. The US still has significant naval capabilities in the region. India should not pick sides but ensure our trade routes through Hormuz remain secure.
As an international relations watcher, I see this as typical rhetoric for domestic consumption. The "Persian Gulf Day" itself is a sovereignty assertion against Arab neighbors who call it the "Arabian Gulf." Meanwhile, India's diaspora and investments in the Gulf make stability crucial for us. Let's hope rhetoric doesn't escalate to conflict.
With respect, I think Iran is overplaying its hand. The US "failure" they refer to seems more about failed negotiations than military defeat. India has maintained strategic autonomy by engaging both Iran (Chabahar) and the US (defense deals). This works only if we avoid being dragged into their power struggle. Let's focus on economic diplomacy.
Khamenei's history lesson reminds me of how India also resists foreign domination. But we must be realistic: Iran's economy is crippled by sanctions. Can they truly maintain this "new chapter" without external support? India's engagement should be cautious—trade yes, but avoid being seen as aligning against the US or Gulf
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.