Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei warned regional nations against supporting American military bases on Tuesday. He said Middle Eastern countries would “no longer serve as shields” for US military interests. The remarks came amid renewed US strikes on Iran and fragile negotiations over ending the prolonged conflict.
In his Haj message, Mojtaba claimed the United States was losing regional influence and strategic strength. He stated Washington would no longer enjoy safe conditions for military operations across the Middle East. Furthermore, he said Muslim nations shared common interests that could shape a new regional and global order. Iranian media and his official X account published the statement.
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Mojtaba also praised the so-called Axis of Resistance, which includes Iran-backed groups across the Middle East and beyond. He said the alliance had challenged American influence and confronted Israeli military actions in the region. Additionally, he described Israel as an unstable regime nearing collapse, according to Iran’s state-run Press TV. He also praised Iranian forces for resisting US and Israeli pressure.
عقربهی زمان به عقب برنمیگردد و ملّتها و سرزمینهای منطقه، دیگر سپر پایگاههای امریکایی نخواهند بود. امریکا دیگر نقطهی امنی برای شرارت و استقرار پایگاه نظامی در منطقه نخواهد داشت.
— رسانه رهبر انقلاب اسلامی (@Rahbarenghelab_) May 26, 2026
The conflict between Tehran and Washington began after US-Israeli strikes targeted Iran on February 28. The attacks killed former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and intensified regional tensions. Iran later targeted US assets in Gulf countries and disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Although a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire reduced hostilities in April, diplomatic disputes remain unresolved.
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Indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States are continuing over sanctions relief and maritime security issues. Pakistan and several regional countries are still attempting to mediate between both sides. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump recently urged Muslim-majority nations to normalise relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords framework. Analysts believe those demands could complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts further.