TEHRAN (Web Desk) — Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has called on Muslim nations, with particular emphasis on Gulf and West Asian countries, to close ranks and identify what he described as their “real enemy,” warning that internal divisions weaken the Islamic world and benefit its opponents.
In a message issued to mark Islamic Unity Week, commemorating the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Khamenei stressed greater political and strategic cooperation among Muslim-majority states.
The message, published through his Telegram account, argued that closer ties should extend across multiple fields and include mutual support and defence. He warned that those contributing to discord among Muslims, whether deliberately or otherwise, ultimately advance the interests of Islam’s adversaries.
Khamenei directed particularly sharp criticism at the United States, accusing Washington of abandoning diplomatic pretences and openly pursuing what he characterised as colonial and hegemonic objectives.
According to Iran’s Press TV, the supreme leader said global powers led by the United States had removed their “deceptive velvet gloves” and exposed what he called their aggressive ambitions before the international community.
Palestinian issue at centre of unity appeal
Khamenei linked his appeal for Muslim solidarity to the Palestinian issue, questioning whether Palestinians would have faced their present circumstances if Islamic countries had maintained a stronger and more unified position.
He suggested that fragmentation across the Muslim world had enabled Israel and its allies to act with greater freedom, while collective political and diplomatic strength could have provided Palestinians with stronger protection.
The Iranian leader also addressed Gulf Arab governments directly, arguing that greater regional solidarity could discourage external powers from seeking influence over their territory, resources and strategic interests.
“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,” Khamenei said.
Gulf states receive direct message
His remarks represent a direct appeal to governments across the Gulf at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Khamenei argued that Muslim countries possess significant political, economic, demographic and strategic resources but remain vulnerable when disputes prevent them from developing a coordinated regional approach.
He described Muslim unity as an essential foundation for building what he called a powerful and respected Islamic civilisation.
“Unity among Muslims is the fundamental cornerstone for achieving a proud and dominant Islamic civilisation,” he was quoted as saying by Iranian media.
Khamenei further maintained that Iran had already achieved substantial progress towards the political and ideological framework he advocated for the wider Muslim world.
Regional significance
The message signals Tehran’s continued effort to present Muslim cooperation as an alternative to reliance on Western security arrangements in the Gulf and wider Middle East.
It also places Palestine at the heart of Iran’s regional narrative, portraying greater Islamic unity as a means of increasing diplomatic and strategic pressure in support of Palestinians.
Khamenei has not made a public appearance since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war with Iran, according to the information accompanying the statement.
His latest message follows remarks attributed to him on Friday in which he stressed domestic cohesion in Iran and called for steps that could damage social unity to be avoided. He also urged officials not to make statements that could undermine public confidence or national morale.
The latest intervention broadens that appeal beyond Iran, presenting cooperation among Muslim governments — particularly Gulf states — as necessary for confronting external pressure and strengthening the Islamic world’s collective influence.
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Tags: Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran Supreme Leader, Gulf States, Muslim Unity, Islamic Unity Week, Middle East, Palestine, United States, Israel, Gulf Arab States, West Asia, Iran News, Middle East News
