Khamenei statement: “Hostile forces” will be expelled from the Arabian Sea

Iranian forces have pushed “hostile forces” from waters near Iran’s southern coast in the Arabian Sea and will soon expel them from there as well, Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, said on Monday, according to a post on his Telegram channel.

The new message from Iran’s supreme leader comes as mediators are pressuring Tehran to compromise on its nuclear program to pave the way for the resumption of talks with the United States, according to sources cited by the Wall Street Journal.

US President Donald Trump rejected Tehran’s proposal to open the Strait of Hormuz.

However, the Iranian leadership believes it can withstand US pressure, a blockade, or even a possible repeat of airstrikes, according to regional government officials who are in regular contact with Iran and who spoke to the American newspaper.

The US and Israel launched strikes in February, aimed at degrading the Iranian regime’s military capabilities and limiting threats stemming from its nuclear and missile programs.

Now, the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has tried to block since the start of the war, appears to have become the focus of diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.