Iran's Supreme Leader Predicts US Exit From Arabian Sea

Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, stated in a message released Monday that U.S. forces will eventually be compelled to leave the Arabian Sea due to "painful blows" inflicted by Tehran in the Strait of Hormuz. Khamenei, who has not appeared publicly since succeeding his father Ali after his death at the war's outset, claimed that the southern seas of Iran, once frequented by enemy forces, are now avoided by them beyond the Arabian Sea because of the "painful blows" from "brave mujahideen and protectors of the Strait of Hormuz."

In the message, published on his official website and coinciding with the anniversary of the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), Khamenei added that any U.S. risks in the region have resulted in self-harm, predicting, "Soon the day will come when the Arabian Sea is also empty of them."

The article notes that since the start of the "Middle East war" following a U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28, Tehran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy chokepoint, and has targeted commercial and naval vessels. The Arabian Sea, located in the northern Indian Ocean between the Arabian Peninsula and India's coast, connects to the Strait of Hormuz and Oman's coast via the Persian Gulf.

Tehran announced Sunday that it maintains its conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, despite U.S. President Donald Trump's rejection of its proposal. Both sides assert control over the strait, with Iran insisting it dictates terms for passage and that navigation will not return to pre-war levels. Conversely, Trump claims Tehran's grip has weakened in favor of Washington, with significant oil exports now flowing through the strait, unlike in the months following the conflict's commencement.