In a significant shift in rhetoric, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei declared that Gulf nations will no longer serve as a protective barrier for U.S. military bases, reflecting a perceived decline in American power in the region. His statements were made during an Eid al-Adha message broadcasted on Iranian state television, where he asserted that the U.S. is losing its influence and will no longer find a 'safe haven' in the Gulf. Amid ongoing discussions between Tehran and Washington over a potential peace framework, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson indicated that progress has been made on a 14-point memorandum aimed at resolving the conflict and lifting the U.S. naval blockade. This framework may include terms for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and halting fighting across various fronts, although significant disagreements remain, particularly regarding Iran's nuclear program and regional military activities. Khamenei's absence from public view since his rise to power in March has raised questions about his leadership, especially following the assassination of his father, the former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.