Tehran, August 30, 2026: Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has called on Muslim countries, particularly those in the Gulf, to strengthen unity and collective cooperation against what he described as their “real enemy”, warning that divisions among Muslims serve the interests of their adversaries.
Khamenei issued the message on his Telegram account on the occasion of Islamic Unity Week, which marks the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
He called for greater unity among Muslim countries, urging cooperation in multiple fields and mutual defence. He warned that anyone who contributes to divisions among Muslims, whether knowingly or unknowingly, ultimately serves the interests of Islam’s enemies.
Khamenei also invoked the plight of Palestinians to underline the need for greater Muslim solidarity, asking whether the Palestinians would have been left “so helpless” if Muslim countries had remained united.
“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.
Khamenei specifically addressed the rulers of Gulf Arab states, questioning whether “rogues without identity” would have dared to covet their territories and resources if the peoples and governments of the Gulf had been united under what he called the “flag of Islam”.
His appeal comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and several Gulf states during the ongoing conflict. Tehran has targeted US military facilities and other infrastructure in Gulf countries, further straining relations with its regional neighbours.
The Iranian leader’s latest call for unity echoes remarks he made in a message to Iranians on Friday, in which he said he had prohibited actions that could undermine social cohesion and urged authorities to avoid statements that could weaken national and public morale.
Khamenei has remained out of public view since sustaining injuries in US-Israeli airstrikes six months ago that triggered the war with Iran and killed his father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
His latest message places particular emphasis on Muslim solidarity at a time of heightened regional tensions, with Iran facing military and economic pressure while seeking to maintain diplomatic engagement with neighbouring and other Muslim countries.
The Supreme Leader’s appeal reflects Tehran’s broader call for closer cooperation among Muslim states, particularly in West Asia, as the conflict continues to reshape regional security and political alignments.
