Iran's leader calls for unity in confrontation with US

Iran's leader calls for unity in confrontation with US - Israel

Supreme Leader Khamenei warns of "plots to sow doubt and division" against Iran, urging people to maintain unity.

In a message read today at the commemoration of the late leader Ruhollah Khomeini, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei affirmed that Iran "dealt a decisive blow to the enemy, causing them deep and heavy shame."

However, he warned of activity "sowing doubt, despair, fear, distrust, and division" in Iran.

"To counter this plot, all people must respond with steadfastness, insight, maintaining unity, mutual trust, and not repeating the enemy's rhetoric. That will neutralize all insidious plots of the enemy," he stated.

Mojtaba Khamenei (brown shirt, center) at an event in Tehran, Iran, 5/2019. Photo: AP

Leader Khamenei has not appeared publicly since taking office; his speeches are read on television or at ceremonies.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed earlier this week that Mojtaba Khamenei is still alive and "increasingly involved in politics." CNN, citing a US intelligence report, assessed that he plays a key role in shaping operational strategy alongside senior Iranian officials.

Khamenei's message was announced amid a lack of agreement between the US and Iran to end hostilities and reopen the strait of Hormuz. The two sides have also clashed multiple times during nearly two months of ceasefire, though the situation has not escalated into full-scale hostilities.

Iran launches missiles targeting a "US warship" in a video posted 3/6. Video: Iran Navy

The US and Iran have also issued conflicting messages, with Tehran emphasizing that its conditions must be met for progress. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump continued to express optimism, stating that "an agreement could come by the end of the week."

The US demands that Iran surrender highly enriched uranium, limit nuclear activities, and reopen the strait of Hormuz. Iran declared its right to enrich uranium, while setting an essential condition for an agreement: an end to the conflict in Lebanon.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned on 3/6 that any Israeli attack on Lebanon's capital, Beirut, "would reignite full-scale conflict on a larger scale."

In a vote on 3/6, the US House of Representatives passed a resolution demanding the US military cease operations against Iran. However, this document is largely symbolic, as Trump could veto it even if it passes the US Senate.