Imam Khamenei: The US Fuels Conflict Under the Pretext of Peace

By Al-Ahed News, Live Coverage

During a meeting with educators and education officials from across Iran at the Imam Khomeini Hussainiyah on the morning of May 17, 2025, Leader of the Islamic Revolution, His Eminence Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei, delivered a sharp rebuke of recent remarks made by US President Donald Trump during his tour of the region.

In his address, Imam Khamenei described Trump’s comments as "a source of shame both for the speaker himself and for the American people."

He criticized the former US president for portraying American militarism as a path to peace, stating, “Trump claimed he wants to use force for peace—this is a blatant lie.”

His Eminence went on to condemn the broader role of the United States in the region, asserting that Washington has consistently abused its power not to bring stability, but to wreak havoc.

“The United States did not use its power to establish peace,” he said. “It used it to take the lives of children and innocent people in Gaza.”

Referring to Trump’s suggestion that Arab countries cannot survive without American support for even ten days, Imam Khamenei dismissed the notion as both insulting and misguided.

“The model that Trump is presenting to Arab nations—that they cannot function independently of the United States—is entirely flawed and doomed to failure,” he declared.

Emphasizing Iran’s determination to build its national strength in the face of external pressure, the Leader stated, “Yes, force can indeed be used to achieve peace and security. For this reason, we in Iran—despite the enemies’ objections—will continue to strengthen our capabilities and our country’s power day by day.”

His Eminence concluded with a strong message of regional independence from foreign influence, expressing confidence in the people’s resistance across West Asia.

“With the steadfast efforts of the people of the region, the United States must and will eventually leave this region,” he affirmed.

The remarks come amid growing criticism of Washington's continued military and political support for "Israel," particularly in light of the mounting death toll in Gaza and Lebanon since October 2023.