Supreme leader of Iran declares new era for Persian Gulf

On April 30, 2026, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued a statement marking the National Persian Gulf Day. He declared that a new chapter has begun for the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz following the conflict with the United States and Israel that commenced on February 28, 2026. Khamenei described the current situation as a sign of Iranian resilience and characterized the U.S. regional strategy as a failure. He pledged that Tehran would take full control of the waterway to eliminate perceived enemy abuses and ensure regional security. Additionally, he emphasized that Iran remains committed to protecting its nuclear, missile, and industrial technologies, which he labeled as national treasures. While state media frames this as a path to peace and progress, the declaration reflects a strategic shift towards a region without U.S. military presence. He also drew historical parallels to the 1622 expulsion of Portuguese forces from the region.