Iran’s supreme leader vows to protect nuclear and missile capabilities

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s supreme leader says the Islamic Republic will protect its nuclear and missile capabilities as a national asset. Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei made the statement Thursday, likely drawing a hard line as U.S. President Donald Trump seeks a wider deal. Khamenei insists Americans belong “at the bottom” of the Persian Gulf. His remarks come as Iran’s oil industry faces a U.S. Navy blockade. World oil prices surged above $126 a barrel. The U.S. and Iran are in a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, impacting oil and gas exports. Trump floated new plan Thursday aimed at creating a maritime alliance to reopen the strait.