Tehran: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei affirmed that his country has thwarted attempts to divide it. In a message to the Iranian people, he stated that the enemy’s bases in the region aim to control its countries.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Khamenei added, “We believe in friendship with neighboring countries, but we are compelled to continue targeting American bases there.” He continued, “We have been attacked from enemy bases in neighboring countries, and we are forced to respond,” noting that “we will not hesitate to avenge the crimes committed by the enemy, especially the Minab school bombing.”

He advised the countries of the region to close American bases, emphasizing that the Strait of Hormuz must remain closed. He added that studies have been conducted to open other fronts where the enemy lacks experience and would be extremely vulnerable. These fronts will be activated if the war continues in this manner, based on considerations of national interests.

Khamenei further stated that Iran has fifteen neighboring countries by land and sea, and has always desired to establish friendly and constructive relations with all of them. However, he claimed that the enemy has been establishing military and financial bases in some of these countries for years to consolidate its hegemony over the region. In the recent attack, some military bases were used, and Iran attacked those bases without targeting the countries themselves.

He explained that from now on, Iran will undoubtedly continue this approach, despite believing in the necessity of friendship with its neighbors. He urged these countries to clarify their obligations towards those who have attacked Iran and murdered its people. Khamenei recommended closing those bases as soon as possible, asserting that America’s claim to achieve security and peace was a lie.