Dubai, United Arab Emirates — Iran’s supreme leader has vowed to safeguard the country’s nuclear and missile capabilities, signaling a firm stance as tensions persist with the United States despite a fragile ceasefire.
In a written statement broadcast on state television, Mojtaba Khamenei said Iran considers its nuclear and missile programs as national assets that will not be compromised in any negotiations. His remarks come amid continued pressure from Donald Trump, who is pushing for a broader agreement following weeks of conflict.
Khamenei, who assumed leadership after the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, has maintained a defiant posture. He reiterated longstanding anti-American rhetoric and declared that foreign powers have no place in the Persian Gulf.
The standoff is unfolding alongside a worsening economic and energy crisis. A United States naval blockade has constrained Iran’s oil exports, while Tehran continues to exert control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global energy supplies. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil passes through the strait, amplifying the global impact of the dispute. Oil prices have surged, with Brent crude reaching as high as $126 per barrel.
The Trump administration is weighing options to reopen the waterway while maintaining pressure on Iran. A proposed plan would sustain the blockade on Iranian ports and coordinate with allies to counter actions that disrupt energy flows, according to a senior U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Despite the ceasefire, both sides remain locked in a strategic impasse. The blockade aims to curtail Iran’s oil revenues, potentially forcing production cuts due to limited storage capacity. At the same time, restrictions on the strait are affecting Gulf nations that rely on the route for exporting oil and gas.
Iran has indicated it prefers to defer discussions on its nuclear program, which it insists is for peaceful purposes. However, its enrichment of uranium to levels near weapons-grade has raised international concern and remains a central issue for Washington.
Efforts to de-escalate tensions are ongoing. Pakistan confirmed it is facilitating indirect talks between the two sides and expressed openness to direct communication to resolve sticking points.
Khamenei’s latest remarks suggest that Tehran is unlikely to concede on its strategic capabilities. He emphasized that Iran’s scientific and technological advancements, including nuclear and missile programs, are integral to national identity and sovereignty.
The dispute over control of the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint. Iran has asserted authority over the passage, which lies within its territorial waters alongside Oman, and has reportedly imposed fees on some vessels. However, much of the international community regards the strait as an open waterway, and Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates, have criticized Iran’s actions as unlawful and destabilizing.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
