The key facts

  • Khamenei said that a change of parties in the US will not alter attitudes toward Iran
  • The situation around the Strait of Hormuz, in his words, shattered the 'myth of America's invincibility'
  • He warned that Tehran's response to a new attack would be 'far more sweeping'

Statement following the US elections

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said that after the US elections, no changes should be expected in Washington's foreign policy. The Tasnim news agency reported this, citing his words; a piece on the matter was prepared by Zamon.uz. According to Khamenei, a change of parties or political groups in power will not alter the United States' attitude toward the Iranian people. He said that those who believe an agreement with Washington or concessions to it could stop US hostility toward Iran are mistaken.

Historical retrospective and warning

Khamenei linked US policy toward Iran to historical events, starting with the overthrow of Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh's government in August 1953. According to him, before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the United States exploited Iran's natural resources and capital, and then, during the Iran-Iraq war of 1980–1988, backed Iraq, imposed sanctions, and froze Iranian assets. He described the situation around the Strait of Hormuz as having shattered the 'myth of America's invincibility' and warned that if the US attacks again, Tehran's response will be far more sweeping. He named Washington's main goal as Iran's complete capitulation, and characterized the actions of the 'Axis of Resistance' movement as a path toward a new world order.