Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has called on Muslim countries in the region to unite against the United States and Israel, urging governments to identify and confront what he described as their “real enemy”.
Khamenei issued the written message on Sunday as Shia Muslims marked the birthday of Prophet Mohammed. His remarks came six months after the start of the Middle East war, according to Agence France-Presse.
“The solution to the problems of the Islamic nations is unity of words, friendship, and cooperation on the path of goodness,” Khamenei said, according to his official website.
He warned against divisions within the Muslim community, saying that actions that create conflict or weaken unity ultimately serve the interests of the enemies of Islam.
Khamenei urges regional leaders to confront ‘real enemy’
Addressing the rulers of countries across the region, Khamenei called on them to “recognise your real enemy, understand its plan, and confront it”, referring to the United States and Israel.
During the conflict, Iran launched attacks targeting US military bases in several Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain. The attacks have contributed to strained relations between Tehran and several regional governments.
Khamenei also urged Iranian officials and citizens to set aside internal differences and maintain social cohesion.
“Again, this servant’s advice to the Iranian people is to not allow any differences to arise among themselves in any way,” he said, reiterating a message issued on Friday.
He had also warned that actions harmful to social cohesion were prohibited.
Iran’s supreme leader remains out of public view
Mojtaba Khamenei assumed Iran’s supreme leadership shortly after his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed at the beginning of the war on February 28, according to the report.
Since his appointment, however, Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly. Iranian authorities have also not released video or audio of him.
As Iran faces the economic consequences of sanctions and prolonged conflict, Khamenei has also called for changes to the country’s economic strategy.
In a statement on Friday, he backed gradual de-dollarisation of the Iranian economy and urged greater domestic production to support economic growth.
Iran’s economy has faced years of sanctions and, more recently, the impact of a US naval blockade, which has further affected livelihoods and economic activity.
Khamenei’s latest message combines calls for Muslim unity, opposition to the United States and Israel, and greater internal cohesion as Tehran continues to navigate the fallout from the conflict and mounting economic pressure.
