Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Tuesday warned that regional powers would no longer act as a shield for US bases and said America would “no longer” have a safe haven in the Middle East, after the US military confirmed carrying out what it called “self-defense” strikes in southern Iran despite ongoing negotiations.
"What is certain in this regard is that the hands of time will not turn backwards, and the nations and lands of the region will no longer serve as shields for American bases," Khamenei said in an Eid al-Adha message. Notably, he has yet to make a public appearance since taking office after his father's assassination in March.
