Iran's Khamenei urges Muslim states to unite, oppose 'real enemy'

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has called on Muslim nations, particularly those in the Persian Gulf, to unite against what he describes as the “real enemy”, the United States and Israel, six months after the outbreak of the Middle East war. His remarks, published on his official website and Telegram account, coincide with Islamic Unity Week, a period marking the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. The message underscores a growing sense of urgency within Iran’s leadership to rally support among regional Islamic states amid escalating tensions and ongoing hostilities. Khamenei’s call comes nearly six months after the initial U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on February 28, which marked the beginning of the current conflict. These attacks resulted in the death of his predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and reportedly left Mojtaba Khamenei seriously injured. Since assuming leadership, the younger Khamenei has remained largely unseen in public, with no video or audio recordings of him released by Iranian authorities. This absence has raised questions about his health and the extent of his involvement in decision-making processes. In his message, Khamenei emphasized that internal divisions among Muslim nations benefit foreign adversaries. He questioned whether the Palestinian cause would have suffered such setbacks if the Muslim world had been unified. “The solution to the problems of the Islamic nations is unity of words, friendship, and cooperation on the path of goodness,” he stated. He warned that anyone contributing to discord among Muslims, whether knowingly or unknowingly, serves the interests of Islam’s enemies. Khamenei specifically targeted the Gulf Arab monarchies, whose relations with Iran have deteriorated further due to recent Iranian missile strikes on U.S. military bases in several Gulf countries. He urged these leaders to recognize their true adversary and take collective action. “My emphatic and repeated recommendation to the rulers of Islamic countries, especially the countries of West Asia and the Gulf, is to identify your real enemy, understand his plan and confront it,” he said. He also challenged Gulf leaders to consider whether rogue actors would dare to threaten their territories if regional governments were united under the banner of Islam. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Gulf Arab monarchies have perceived Iran’s revolutionary ideology, including its anti-monarchic rhetoric and expanding regional influence, as a direct threat to their political stability. Khamenei’s latest statements echo similar calls made earlier in the week, where he urged Iranians to maintain social cohesion and implement measures to gradually reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar. This move aims to counter the effects of ongoing U.S. naval blockades and longstanding economic sanctions imposed on Iran. Khamenei reiterated his warnings against actions that could undermine national unity, stating that any behavior detrimental to social harmony is strictly prohibited. His message reflects both a strategic push for regional solidarity and an attempt to consolidate domestic support amidst economic challenges and international isolation. As the conflict continues to unfold, the response from Gulf states and other Muslim-majority nations will be crucial in determining the trajectory of the situation. Khamenei’s call for unity appears to be part of a broader strategy aimed at reinforcing Iran’s position in the region while addressing internal pressures. With no visible presence from the new leader, the effectiveness of his directives and the level of compliance from regional allies remain uncertain. The coming weeks will likely see increased diplomatic activity and potential shifts in alliances as the conflict evolves.