Iranian leader Mojtaba Khamenei declared on Tuesday, May 26, that Gulf Arab nations will no longer serve as a shield for American bases, asserting that the US has lost its safe harbor in the region.
US Military Presence in the Gulf
Experts estimate that there are between 40,000 and 50,000 American troops currently stationed in the Persian Gulf region. These forces are distributed across US bases located in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.
Khamenei’s Warning to Gulf States
On Tuesday, May 26, the supreme spiritual and political leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, stated via Telegram that Arab countries in the Persian Gulf would no longer act as a shield for American military installations. He explicitly noted that the United States would no longer possess a safe port in the region.
Recent US Strikes in Southern Iran
CENTCOM spokesperson Tim Hawkins announced on Monday, May 25, that US forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran to protect troops from ongoing threats. He emphasized that the military would defend its personnel while maintaining restraint during the ceasefire.
The operation targeted Iranian rocket launchers and vessels attempting to deploy mines. A senior US official confirmed to Fox News that two Iranian boats were intercepted laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz and were subsequently destroyed. Additionally, US forces struck a surface-to-air missile launcher in Bandar-e Abbas that had been targeting American aircraft.
Diplomatic Efforts and Conflict Status
Despite the conflict that began on February 28 and an active ceasefire in place since April 8, sporadic exchanges of fire have continued. While no formal peace agreement exists, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated on Monday that a deal could be imminent.
Rubio also declared on Sunday that the United States is prepared to open negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program, provided that Tehran ensures the Strait of Hormuz remains open.
