Khamenei Defends Iran's Nuclear & Missile Programs

0:00On April 30, Iran's new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mochitaba, Kamenei, just dropped a strong statement vowing to defend the country's nuclear and missile programs as key national assets. This comes right after he took over following his father's death and early war strikes, and he's drawing a firm line amid a shaky three-week ceasefire with the U.S. Tensions are high over the strait of Hormuz, where Iran holds a tight grip blocking a fifth of the world's crude oil flow. Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy has a blockade squeezing Iran's oil exports, leaving tankers stuck and production piling up with nowhere to go. Oil prices spiked to $126 a barrel for Brent Crude, hitting the global economy hard and pressuring leaders on both sides. Gulf allies like the United Arab Emirates are hurting too, since they rely on that straight for their own exports, and they're calling Iran's moves, straight up piracy. President Trump is pushing a new plan to reopen the strait, keeping the blockade on Iranian ports while rallying

1:00allies to ramp up costs on Tehans. Disruptions. Pakistan stepping into host indirect talks, even hinting at direct phone chats to break the deadlock. But Iran insists it's nuclear workstays. Peaceful and off the table. With Kamenei signaling no backdown on the strait or weapons programs, this standoff keeps the ceasefire on thin ice, testing how far each side will. Push before things boil over again. You've been listening to Global News today, AI-powered Global coverage.