Iran’s supreme leader to Gulf states: “Choose the right side”

Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has addressed the countries of the Persian Gulf, urging regional neighbours to “choose the right side.”

In a message read out by a state television presenter, Khamenei warned that the “criminal aggressors” who attacked the country “will not be left in peace,” adding that “everyone should know this,” Caliber.Az reports, citing Iranian media.

He also stated that Tehran would inevitably move to a new phase in managing the Strait of Hormuz.

Khamenei stressed that Iran has never sought war, but is prepared to defend its rights by military means if necessary.

The conflict between the US-Israel and Iran began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched major coordinated strikes on Iranian targets (including leadership and military/nuclear sites).

A two-week ceasefire was agreed between the sides on April 7–8.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov