Iran’s Supreme Leader Reappears With Threats as U.S. Pressures Allies Over Blockade

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei made a rare public appearance on State TV, issuing a stern warning to foreign forces in the Gulf. In his first comments since the conflict began, Khamenei stated that "foreigners who commit evil" belong in the "depths of water" and envisioned a future for the region without U.S. involvement. This comes as Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the U.S. naval blockade of attempting to force a domestic collapse. Meanwhile, President Trump defended the blockade during talks with oil executives, stating the strategy is "choking" Iran and proving more effective than a bombing campaign. On the military front, tensions escalated in Lebanon where Israeli strikes killed one Lebanese soldier and wounded two others. These are the first reported casualties within the Lebanese army since the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire was extended. IDF Chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir clarified that there is "no ceasefire" on the combat front as forces continue to target terror infrastructure. The strikes highlight the ongoing spillover from Iran-backed Hezbollah activities that have drawn Lebanon further into the regional conflict. Diplomatically, the Trump administration is pushing European allies to take a more active role in securing the Strait of Hormuz. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggested that Europe has a greater dependency on the Strait and should provide naval support rather than holding conferences. In a high-level phone call, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned President Trump of "damaging consequences" regarding U.S. and Israeli actions. While Iran has proposed easing restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for an end to the U.S. blockade, Washington remains skeptical of the offer.