Ali Khamenei: If The 'Villainy Of The US' Is Removed, Wars In Middle-East Will Be Eliminated

In his first public dress since Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel, Supreme Leer Ayatollah Ali Khamenei criticized presence of American and European nations in Middle East, blaming m for fueling conflicts and instability in region. However, Khamenei me no direct mention of missile attack during his remarks.

Speaking to Iranian elites and students, Khamenei said that influence of foreign powers is a source of “conflicts, wars, concerns, and enmities.” He expressed confidence that regional nations can manage ir own affairs without external intervention, saying, “Regional nations can manage mselves and… y will live toger in peace,” according to Iran's official IRNA news agency.

Khamenei also emphasized Iran’s hope for removing what he called "enemies' evil," referring to Western nations' influence in region, urging m to “cut ir bness.”

Here is what you need to know

For years, Iran has viewed presence of U.S. military forces in neighboring countries, particularly Iraq, as a threat to its national security. Tehran has frequently called for withdrawal of U.S. troops from region, asserting that ir presence exacerbates regional tensions.

In his remarks, Khamenei also expressed sorrow over death of terrorist Hasan Nasrallah.

A look at Ayatollah's complete statement

Posts me by Ayatollah's official X account re “We are mourning se days. I am deeply grieved in particular. tragedy which took place was not something small. loss of Mr. Sayyid Hassan #Nasrallah is very important, and it truly grieves us. root of problem in our region, se conflicts and wars, is presence of those who claim to vocate peace in region. That is, United States and some European countries. If villainy of US and certain European countries is removed from this region, undoubtedly se conflicts and wars will be completely eliminated.”

Khamenei’s remarks come amid heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, following recent missile attacks, furr underscoring Iran's stance against foreign intervention in Middle East. Iranian Supreme Leer’s comments reflect longstanding Iranian concerns over Western influence and its desire for greater autonomy for Middle Eastern nations. However, Iran's desire isn't shared by many players in region. Many Islamic nations, such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, want American presence in region, to ensure that balance of power remains stable.