According to a report by Anadolu Agency on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has declared that countries in the Middle East will no longer serve as protective buffers for United States military installations in the region, warning that Washington will not be allowed to maintain what he described as “safe havens” across West Asia.
In a statement released on Tuesday and carried by Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, Khamenei made the remarks as part of messages marking the peak of the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage. He framed his comments within broader regional and religious themes, calling for a reorientation of political and security alliances in the Middle East.
According to the statement, Khamenei said regional dynamics were shifting and insisted that Middle Eastern nations would no longer act as defensive shields for US military bases stationed across the region. He argued that recent developments had altered long-standing security arrangements and signaled what he described as a new phase in regional politics.
“What is certain in this regard is that the nations and lands of the region will no longer serve as shields for American bases,” he stated, according to IRNA.
Beyond his warning, the Iranian leader also called on Muslim-majority countries and other regional governments to strengthen cooperation and pursue what he described as shared interests. He suggested that such collaboration could contribute to the emergence of a new regional and global order that is less dependent on Western influence.
“I sincerely invite all Islamic countries and governments to friendship and cooperation for the common good,” Khamenei added.
His comments come against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly following reports of a US-Israeli military campaign against Iran that began on February 28. That conflict reportedly triggered a series of retaliatory actions from Tehran and its allies, raising fears of wider regional instability.
Diplomatic sources also note that Pakistan has been involved in mediation efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, as well as their allies in the region. These efforts contributed to a ceasefire agreement that took effect on April 8, temporarily halting hostilities.
The truce was later extended indefinitely by US President Donald Trump, according to official statements, in an attempt to prevent a renewed outbreak of violence. However, despite the ceasefire, both sides have continued to exchange strong political rhetoric, underscoring the fragility of the current calm……See More
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