Tehran, Iran – In an escalating tone reflecting a hardline strategic direction for the ruling establishment in Tehran, Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued direct threats to end the American military presence in the Middle East. At the same time, he vowed the demise of Israel within 15 years.
These statements were made in an official message published in Iranian media on the occasion of the Hajj season and the Day of Arafah in 2026.
“A new regional order” without an American shield
In his message, Mojtaba Khamenei asserted that the balance of power in the region has fundamentally and irreversibly shifted. This is due to the increasing reliance on missile power and drone capabilities in land, air, and sea operations. He further explained that Tehran and its allies have been able to target American and Israeli interests. Moreover, he emphasized that “the countries of the region will no longer serve as a shield for the American military presence.”
In a message directed at Washington, Khamenei vowed that American forces would find no “safe haven” for establishing military bases in the region in the future. He emphasized that the slogans “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” were no longer mere slogans, but had become a common language for the Islamic nation and the oppressed peoples of the world, particularly the youth.
He added that “these countries possess capabilities and shared interests that can pave the way for the formation of a new order in the region and the world.” He called for a restructuring of regional alliances, free from Western influence.
Evoking the legacy of “disappearance”
In his speech, Mojtaba Khamenei echoed the famous statement made by his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, nearly 10 years ago, following the signing of the nuclear agreement in 2015. At that time, he predicted the demise of Israel within a quarter of a century. Calculating the remaining time, the new Supreme Leader asserted that Israel is “breathing its last.” Furthermore, he emphasized that it is nearing the final stages of its existence and claimed that it will cease to exist in 15 years.
The mystery surrounding the new leader
The publication of this message comes at a time of increasing secrecy surrounding the Iranian Supreme Leader. Since his ascension to power, no photographs or audio recordings of him have been released. Instead, official media outlets have limited themselves to publishing written statements attributed to him.
Observers analyze this absence from public view as a heightened security measure in light of the security threats facing the Iranian leadership. They also see it as a media strategy aimed at preserving the prestige of the “absent leader.”
Experts believe this “hardline” rhetoric is primarily aimed at restoring revolutionary legitimacy and boosting the morale of the popular base and militias allied with Tehran. This comes at a critical juncture for the country, which is facing an existential crisis and unprecedented security and economic threats since its founding.
