U.S. will no longer have a safe haven in the region, Iran's supreme leader says

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei warned that Gulf powers would no longer protect U.S. military bases in the region as Tehran and Washington continue talks aimed at ending their three-month-old war. He also said the United States would no longer have a safe haven in the Gulf.

REUTERS

May 26, 2026

U.S. will no longer have a safe haven in the region, Iran's supreme leader says

FILE PHOTO: A man holds a flag with a picture of late leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, late Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, during a rally in Tehran, Iran, April 29, 2026.

Majid-Asgaripour / Reuters

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei warned on Tuesday that Gulf powers would no longer serve as a shield for United States military bases, adding that the U.S. would no longer have a safe haven in the region.

In a statement posted on his Telegram channel, Khamenei made the remarks as Tehran and Washington continue discussions on a framework aimed at ending their three-month-old war.

The tensions come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States to reach a possible agreement and reduce hostilities in the region.

-Reporting by Elwely Elwelly; Editing by Kevin Liffey/Reuters