Iran supreme leader calls for unity among Muslim countries

Iran's supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has urged Muslim nations in the region to unite against the United States and Israel in a written message, six months after the Middle East war began. Khamenei, who has been in power since shortly after his father's death, has not been seen in public since taking office on February 28. He emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation among Islamic nations during a celebration of the Prophet Mohammed's birthday.

Khamenei warned that anyone who fosters division among Muslims, intentionally or unintentionally, is serving the interests of Islam's enemies. He called on regional leaders to recognize their true enemy and confront it, referring to the US and Israel. Relations between Iran and these nations have deteriorated since the war. Khamenei also urged Iranian officials and citizens to set aside their differences and work together against their common foes.

He stressed that any actions detrimental to social cohesion are prohibited and called for Iran to transition away from the dollar and boost economic production to drive growth after years of sanctions and a US naval blockade.