Iran Leader Vows Strikes on US Bases in Gulf Region

March 13, 2026

Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has issued a strong warning to the United States and its allies, stating that Iran is prepared to strike American military bases in the Gulf region if hostilities continue. The remarks came in his first public message after assuming power following the death of his father, former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed during U.S.–Israeli military strikes on Iran.

In the message broadcast through Iranian state media, Khamenei vowed that Iran would continue confronting what he described as “aggression” by the United States and Israel. He said Tehran would not hesitate to retaliate and warned that American bases across the Gulf region could become targets if the conflict escalates further.

Threat to US Military Bases in Gulf

Khamenei specifically warned Gulf nations hosting American military installations, urging them to close these bases immediately. He said that if such bases continue to operate, Iran may target them as part of its military response.

The warning highlights the growing tension in the Middle East, where several Gulf countries host key U.S. military facilities. These include air and naval bases used for American operations across the region. Iran’s leadership has repeatedly described such bases as strategic vulnerabilities and potential targets during wartime.

Iran has already demonstrated its ability to strike regional targets. Since the conflict began, Iranian missiles and drones have reportedly been launched toward sites in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia that host U.S. military assets.

Strait of Hormuz Strategy

In the same speech, Khamenei emphasized the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most crucial oil shipping routes. He indicated that Iran could continue using the threat of blocking the strait as leverage against Western powers.

Iranian officials have suggested that controlling access to the strait could put pressure on global energy markets and force international actors to reconsider their involvement in the conflict. The route handles a significant portion of the world’s oil shipments, making any disruption a major concern for global energy security.

Escalating Middle East Conflict

The warning from Iran’s new leader comes amid an already volatile situation in the Middle East. The current conflict intensified after U.S. and Israeli forces launched large-scale strikes on Iranian targets earlier this year, triggering retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran and allied groups.

Several Gulf countries have experienced explosions and missile interceptions as part of the broader confrontation. The situation has raised fears of a wider regional war involving multiple states and non-state militias aligned with Iran.

International observers say Khamenei’s remarks signal a continuation of Iran’s hardline stance and suggest that tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel could deepen in the coming weeks. Diplomatic efforts by various countries are reportedly underway to prevent the crisis from escalating further.