Hawzah News Agency – The Friday prayer leader of Tabriz says Iranians will never relinquish the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that the Islamic Republic will not allow any foreign interference in the strategic waterway.
Speaking during Friday prayers in Tabriz, Hojatoleslam Ahmad Motahari-Asl addressed the regional situation, saying the United States has now fully understood the significance of the Strait of Hormuz.
"Even those who are anti-Iranian have advised Washington to back away from the Strait of Hormuz, because this issue carries both material interests and implications for global domination," he said.
The cleric said Iran will not permit the enemy to act as it pleases, noting that the region was once a center of conspiracies against Iran but no longer serves that purpose.
"For 47 years, we have endured your bitterness. Now it is your turn to suffer and be angry," he said, addressing Iran's adversaries.
Armed Forces Fully Prepared
Motahari-Asl said Iran's armed forces are fully prepared, and Yemen stands ready as well. "If anything happens in Bab el-Mandeb, forget about the global internet," he warned.
Addressing the US President Donald Trump directly, the cleric said: "Withdraw calmly, accept our conditions and leave. It is in your interest and in the interest of the people to retreat. Otherwise, if we reveal other surprises, your work will become difficult."
He said the Iranian people have grown accustomed to confronting America, adding: "You have violated the honor and dignity of this nation. You martyred their Imam, and they will not let you go."
Israel's Destruction Will Be Witnessed
The Friday prayer leader said Iran will utilize both the economic and geopolitical advantages of the Strait of Hormuz while forcing America and Israel to retreat across the region.
"We will witness the destruction of Israel," he said.
Domestic Unity and Energy Conservation
Turning to domestic matters, Motahari-Asl stressed the importance of Friday prayers as gatherings that should enrich the youth, urging worshippers not to be lax in their attendance.
The cleric reminded citizens that natural resources and public property are not personal possessions, warning against wildfires and littering in natural areas.
Resistance Across the Region
Referring to the anniversary of Lebanon's 33-day war, Motahari-Asl said: "Today is the day of resistance — the day Hezbollah emerged victorious in the 33-day war. Now the entire region has moved toward resistance."
He said the movement has spread from Iraq to Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine, warning certain regional states against mistreating Shia communities.
"If you want to remain in this region, you must behave properly. Otherwise, resistance will take shape in your countries as well," he said.
Historical Grievances
The Tabriz Friday prayer leader pointed to the 1953 coup, describing it as an American operation. "They created SAVAK and tortured the people. Who imposed the eight-year war? Who imposed these sanctions? Did we start this enmity, or did they?"
He also paid tribute to Iranian prisoners of war who returned home after years in captivity, noting: "They left as young men and returned as elderly. They left healthy and returned wounded."
Upcoming Commemoration
Motahari-Asl announced that the 40th-day commemoration of the martyred commander's burial will be held next week, with programs planned in Tabriz.
"He brought the youth to the right path through his words and actions. After his martyrdom, even those who had differences with him and with religion came forward, wept, and sought forgiveness. We have lost a great man," he said.
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