Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, on Thursday accused the United States and Israel of trying to create division among Iranians after what he described as their defeat in the recent Middle East war.
In a written message, Khamenei said the “malicious enemy” was working to spread doubt, fear, despair, mistrust and disunity among the Iranian people.
Khamenei says US, Israel seek division after war defeat and urged citizens to remain united. He called for steadfastness, awareness and national cohesion to defeat what he described as a hostile plot against the country.
A prayer leader read the message at the mausoleum of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, during events marking the 37th anniversary of his death.
The 1979 Islamic Revolution overthrew the US-backed Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, and ended his ruling dynasty.
Ali Khamenei succeeded Khomeini as supreme leader in 1989 and held the position until US and Israeli attacks killed him on February 28, triggering a regional conflict.
The war ended with a ceasefire on April 8, but direct and mediated negotiations have yet to produce a permanent peace agreement.
For decades, Ali Khamenei addressed the annual June 4 commemoration. This year, organisers placed an empty chair bearing his portrait at the mausoleum.
Mojtaba Khamenei, who became supreme leader in March, has largely stayed out of public view and has communicated through written statements.
State media footage showed portraits of Mojtaba Khamenei alongside the two previous supreme leaders at the ceremony in southern Tehran.
Supporters waved Iranian flags and banners of Hezbollah, the Lebanese group backed by Iran.
Iran has also tied any future agreement with the United States to a broader end to regional hostilities, including clashes involving Hezbollah and Israel.
