Iran’s supreme leader warns of ‘new bitter defeats’ for US and Israel

WorldPolitics
18 Apr 2026 • 10:03 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Iran’s supreme leader warns of ‘new bitter defeats’ for US and Israel

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has said Iran's navy is ready to inflict "new bitter defeats" on the US and Israel.

Read out on state TV on Saturday (April 18), a newsreader quoted a statement attributed to Khamenei saying, "The army stood against the sinister plans of the United States, the remnants of the Pahlavi regime, and separatists who wanted a dismembered Iran, and created epic achievements."

At least two merchant vessels reported they were hit by gunfire as they attempted to cross the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, maritime security and shipping sources said, shortly after Iran said it was once again tightening control of the waterway.