‘Identify your real enemy’: Khamenei urges Gulf rulers to unite, defend each other
Iran's Supreme Leader urged Gulf rulers to identify their real enemy and confront it. He also called for Muslim unity and mutual defense against external threats. The message comes amid ongoing war and significant economic pressure on Iran. Iranian President dismissed speculation about the leader's health, stating he is healthy. Diplomacy and defense remain Iran's complementary approach to…
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has called upon Gulf rulers to identify their true adversary, understand its intentions, and unite in mutual defense against common enemies, according to a Telegram message published on Sunday. The message was issued to celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad and also emphasized the importance of unity, mutual defense, and cooperation among Muslims worldwide, as reported by Reuters.
Khamenei has remained out of public view since he was injured in US-Israeli airstrikes six months ago, which initiated the ongoing war and resulted in the death of his father, former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His current health status and whereabouts have been subjects of speculation in recent months. A video released earlier this month featured archival footage of Khamenei taking part in a religious academic discussion with clerics.
The message arrives amid ongoing economic challenges and war-related pressures. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian dismissed speculation about Khamenei's health, stating that he is in "completely healthy" condition, according to Iran's ISNA news agency.
In Saturday's statement, Khamenei urged the Iranian government to address pressing economic and livelihood issues, including inflation, unemployment, and the management of prices and markets. He also reiterated Iran's commitment to pursuing diplomacy and defense, describing these two approaches as "complementary, coordinated, and inseparable wings" for safeguarding the country's national interests, security, and territorial integrity.
Diplomatic endeavors have persisted alongside the conflict. On Thursday, Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met with Iranian leaders in Tehran, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi described the discussions as "creative." Khamenei's latest written message is set against the backdrop of these continuing diplomatic efforts and his prolonged absence from public appearances.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
