In a written message read on Iranian state television, Khamenei said Iran’s scientific and military capabilities, including its nuclear and missile programs, formed part of the country’s sovereign identity and would be defended like its territorial integrity.

“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 from nanotechnology and biotechnology to nuclear and missile capabilities as national assets,” he said.

He added that Iranians would protect those capabilities “just as they protect the country’s waters, land and airspace.”Khamenei has led Iran since Feb. 28, following an airstrike that killed his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, during the early phase of the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran.

In his statement, he also sharply criticized the U.S. military presence in the Gulf region, saying the only place Americans belonged in the Arabian Gulf was “at the bottom of its waters.”“By God’s help and power, the bright future of the Arabian Gulf region will be a future without America,” he said, adding that regional prosperity should be determined by neighboring states rather than outside powers.

His comments came as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively under Iranian control following weeks of confrontation, severely disrupting global energy shipments through the strategic waterway that previously handled about one-fifth of world oil supply.

The remarks followed reports that Washington is advancing plans for an international naval coalition to reopen the strait and secure maritime transit after the conflict.According to a U.S. State Department cable seen by Reuters, Washington has invited partner countries to join a proposed coalition called the Maritime Freedom Construct (MFC), aimed at restoring shipping access and building what it described as a post-conflict maritime security framework for the Middle East.

“The MFC constitutes a critical first step in the establishment of a post-conflict maritime security architecture for the Middle East,” the cable said.France, Britain and other allied governments have discussed contributing to such an initiative but indicated they would only participate in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after active hostilities end.

Oil prices have remained volatile amid fears of prolonged disruption to Gulf shipping routes, with energy markets closely watching whether diplomatic efforts can reduce tensions between Washington and Tehran.

The bottleneck includes 12 very large gas carriers and 50 very large crude carriers, with only six ships transiting the strait between Tuesday and Wednesday, far below the typical daily average of around 120 vessels in peacetime, data from maritime analytics firm Kpler showed.

Limited movement has been permitted through a tightly controlled corridor near Iran’s Larak Island, with access largely restricted to vessels linked to Iran or countries maintaining favorable relations with Tehran. Lloyd’s List estimates that at least 48 ships have passed through the route since last week under such arrangements.

Iran imposed the blockade following strikes by the United States and Israel on Feb. 28, effectively constraining a waterway that normally handles about one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments. Shipowners granted passage have reportedly faced fees of up to $2 million per transit, although Tehran has indicated that vessels from allied nations may be exempt.

Malaysian authorities said tankers operated by companies including Petronas, Sapura Energy and MISC were awaiting clearance, with Iran assuring Kuala Lumpur that fees would be waived due to bilateral ties. Officials cautioned that heavy congestion could delay passage regardless of exemptions.

China said at least three of its vessels had recently transited the strait following coordination with relevant parties. Ship-tracking data indicated that two container ships exited the Gulf on a subsequent attempt while sailing in close formation and at increased speed, in what analysts described as the first such movement by non-Iranian container vessels since the escalation began.

A small number of other ships have also managed to leave, including a Greek-operated tanker carrying Saudi crude to India and several Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas carriers transporting essential cargo.

Shipping sources said some crews have adopted risk mitigation measures such as nighttime navigation or disabling tracking systems to reduce exposure to threats including mines, missiles and drones.Despite limited transits, exports from major Gulf producers such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar remain largely suspended, with hundreds of vessels and an estimated 20,000 seafarers still awaiting clearance in and around the Gulf.

A Pakistani oil vessel reached Karachi after successfully transiting the strait, while another shipment arrived via an alternative route. Officials said further deliveries could follow in the coming weeks.The disruption has intensified diplomatic efforts to reopen the waterway.

Britain is preparing to host talks involving around 35 countries to address maritime security, while China and Pakistan have jointly called for a ceasefire and urged all sides to ensure safe passage for commercial shipping.U.S.

President Donald Trump reiterated on Wednesday that Iran must lift the blockade, warning of potential military action if it fails to comply.