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Iranian leader urges unity against US, Israel
Mojtaba Khamenei urged Muslim governments to unite against the United States and Israel while calling on Iranians to set aside differences.
What happened
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued a written message calling on Muslim countries, especially in West Asia and the Gulf, to unite against the United States and Israel. The appeal came six months into the Middle East war. He also urged Iranians to avoid internal divisions.
Numbers
- 6 monthsSince the Middle East war began — The message marked the anniversary.
- 28 FebruaryFather killed as war began — Khamenei succeeded him afterward.
- 6 Gulf statesRelations cited as deteriorating — Following attacks on US-allied bases.
Questions
- How was the message delivered?
- It was posted in writing through his official channels; Iranian authorities have released neither video nor audio of him.
- Why address Gulf governments?
- Iran’s attacks on US-allied bases in Gulf states during the war have worsened Tehran’s relations with those governments.
- Why also urge Iranian unity?
- He linked domestic cohesion to resisting the United States and Israel, and had barred acts that harm social cohesion two days earlier.
- Which states have relations worsened?
- Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain were among states whose relations with Tehran have deteriorated.
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The catch
The coverage contains no public response from the United States, Israel or the Gulf governments he addressed.