Iran defies US pressure amid Hormuz tensions

Iran drew a hard line on Thursday despite Washington's warning to "get smart soon" amid stalled ceasefire negotiations that have disrupted global oil prices.

Speaking in a written statement read by a state television anchor, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said the "bright future" of the Gulf will be one without the United States presence and at the service of the progress, comfort and welfare of regional countries.