People participate in a rally in Tehran, Iran, April 29, 2026. Tens of thousands of Iranians took to the streets on Wednesday in mass rallies across the country to pledge allegiance to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and demonstrate national unity. (Photo: Xinhua)

TEHRAN, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said on Thursday that the "bright future" of the Gulf will be one without the U.S. presence and at the service of the progress, comfort, and welfare of the regional nations.

Khamenei said in a message that despite a massive military campaign, the United States has admitted an "ignominious" defeat in its plan against Iran and the region, and a new chapter in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz is unfolding.