Tehran [Iran], April 30 (ANI): Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on Thursday asserted that Tehran will ensure security in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and counter what he described as hostile activities in the region amid geopolitical tensions due to the Islamic Republic's recent confrontation with the US and the power struggle between the two sides over the virtual control of the strategic waterway.

In his message, issued by Iran's state broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), on the occasion of Persian Gulf Day, the Iranian Supreme Leader highlighted the geopolitical and economic importance of the Persian Gulf, calling it a 'divine blessing' that has shaped regional identity and serves as a crucial artery for global trade via the Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman.

'A blessing beyond a body of water that has shaped part of our identity and civilisation and, in addition to being a point of connection between nations, has created a vital and unique path for the global economy in the Strait of Hormuz and then the Sea of Oman,' Khamenei said.

'This strategic capital has aroused the greed of many devils in past centuries, and the history of repeated aggressions by European and American foreigners, insecurities, losses, and numerous threats to the countries of the region are just a corner of the sinister plans of the world's arrogant powers against the inhabitants of the Persian Gulf region,' he added.

Khamenei accused Western powers, particularly the United States, of destabilising the region, claiming that foreign military presence has historically led to insecurity and conflict and further asserted that recent developments demonstrate the inability of external actors to guarantee stability in the Gulf. He also emphasised Iran's intent to play a dominant role in safeguarding maritime routes.

He referenced what he described as a turning point following the Islamic Revolution, stating that Iran has consistently resisted foreign influence--from Portuguese and Dutch colonial forces to British and American involvement.

'The Islamic Revolution was the turning point of these resistances in cutting off the hands of the arrogant powers from the Persian Gulf region, and today, two months after the largest military campaign and aggression by the world's bullies in the region and the shameful failure of America in its plan, a new chapter is emerging for the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz,' the Supreme Leader said.

'With practical gratitude for the blessing of implementing management of the Strait of Hormuz, Islamic Iran will secure the Persian Gulf region and eliminate the hostile enemy's abuses of this waterway. The legal rules and implementation of the new management of the Strait of Hormuz will bring comfort and progress to the benefit of all the nations of the region, and its economic benefits will make the hearts of the nations happy; God willing, even if the infidels hate it,' he added.

Persian Gulf Day, observed annually on April 30 in Iran, commemorates a historic victory against colonial forces and is often used to reinforce national sovereignty narratives tied to the Gulf and its strategic waterways.

The occasion marks the historic defeat of Portuguese colonial forces and their expulsion from Hormuz Island in 1622.

According to Press TV, Iranian ruler Abbas I led forces that defeated the Portuguese on Hormuz Island, ending a two-decade conflict and bringing a close to roughly a century of foreign control over the Persian Gulf. (ANI)