Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issues horror new threat to Americans

Iran's Supreme Leader has issued a new threat to the US, saying the only place for Americans in the Persian Gulf "is at the bottom of its waters". Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen in person since he was appointed to replace his late father, also claimed Tehran's "new management" of the Strait of Hormuz would "bring calm and progress" - along with economic benefits for all nations. Khamenei's senior military adviser had previously said Tehran "will not tolerate" an extension to the US's naval blockade. He vowed that Iran would eliminate "the enemy's abuses of the waterway," adding that while countries in the region share a common fate, "foreigners who commit evil" have no future there. A separate message posted by Khamenei on social media read: "A new chapter for the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz is unfolding." The Supreme Leader warned Iran will defend its "nuclear and missile capabilities" as a vital national asset, despite Donald Trump's efforts to have Iran give up their weapons. "Ninety million proud and honorable Iranians inside and outside the country regard all of Iran's identity-based, spiritual, human, scientific, industrial and technological capacities" Khamenei said, "from nanotechnology and biotechnology to nuclear and missile capabilities - as national assets, and will protect them just as they protect the country's waters, land and airspace." The statement, read out on Iranian state television, comes after persistent reports that Khamenei may have been seriously injured in the same US-Israeli strike that killed his father and other Iranian officials at the start of the war on February 28. One report claimed the leader had been flown to Moscow for leg surgery which was "personally offered by Putin" at one of his presidential palaces, said Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Jarida. Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi had previously reiterated that Khamenei is "in full health and is fully managing the situation." This is a Breaking News story. You’ll be more likely to see our stories when any big news breaks in future by simply by clicking this link . You can also join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News , TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads - or visit The Mirror homepage .