Iran’s Khamenei Urges Gulf States to Unite Against U.S. and Israel
In a written message, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei called for Gulf nations to band together against the United States and Israel, whom he referred to as their “real enemy.” This statement, made on Sunday, seems like an attempt to mend ties with countries in the region that Iran has often criticized and threatened. These tensions come as Iran grapples with escalating military and economic pressures.
Khamenei emphasized the importance of recognizing true adversaries, saying, “My repeated, emphatic recommendation to the rulers of Islamic countries, particularly those in the West Asia region and along the Persian Gulf, is that you must know who your true enemy is, understand their plots, and confront them.” This message coincided with the celebration of the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad.
He specifically cited the United States and Israel as enemies, accusing them of trying to create divisions within the Muslim community. Khamenei stated, “The criminal rulers of the U.S. and the illegitimate Zionist regime are the sworn enemies of this unity and friendship,” and added that their hostility spreads beyond Iran to affect all Muslim nations, including those in West Asia and North Africa.
Furthermore, Khamenei pointed out that even those governments in the region that ally with the U.S. are not immune to this animosity. He questioned whether any outside powers would dare to threaten Gulf countries if Muslim nations stood united. “If the nations and governments, which are on the shores of the Persian Gulf, had firmly established their unity under the banner of Islam, would corrupt, unprincipled scoundrels have dared to covet their lands and wealth from thousands of kilometers away?” he posed.
This appeal comes after a period of aggressive rhetoric from Iran directed at its neighbors and U.S. interests in the region, including threats to disrupt shipping through the vital Strait of Hormuz, which has also economically impacted those same nations that Khamenei now urges to ally with Iran. Iranian officials have repeatedly warned nearby governments to avoid cooperating with the Trump administration’s harsh economic measures against Tehran. Former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Mohsen Rezaei, stated earlier this month that regional countries would be viewed as enemies if they supported U.S. policies.
“We tell all the countries around us not to join the United States in its economic war, otherwise we will consider them enemies,” Rezaei warned, with Iranian officials suggesting that collaboration with the U.S. could amount to an “act of war.”
The confrontations have severed Iran’s economic relationships with its neighbors, exemplified by the United Arab Emirates, which recently halted trade and financial exchanges with Iran after accusing it of missile attacks. Iran denied these allegations.
This situation is compounded by the intensification of U.S. sanctions aimed at Iran, under what the Trump administration has labeled Operation Economic Outcast. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged the profound impact of these sanctions, countering claims that they have no effects, highlighting a significant drop in both imports and exports.
In the meantime, Iran has been enhancing its diplomatic efforts, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently engaging in talks with officials from Oman, Pakistan, and Qatar. Iranian authorities have stated arrangements with Oman regarding passage through Hormuz are in place but contingent on U.S. compliance with previous agreements.
Khamenei also advocated for mutual defense among Muslim nations and greater political collaboration, indicating a desire for shared efforts in various areas, including security and economic progress. His recent address comes at a time when Khamenei has remained largely out of public view since taking power nearly six months ago.
Reports suggest that Khamenei has not made a public appearance since suffering serious injuries during U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in February, which also resulted in the death of his father and predecessor. Speculations regarding his health and governance have persisted, with even Iranian officials expressing difficulty in communicating with him.
Recent statements attributed to Khamenei continue to challenge norms, being issued without a public appearance or verified audio. The statement issued last month hinted at a vow for vengeance regarding his father’s death, directing a stern warning towards those responsible.
