NEW DELHI: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has called on Muslim countries, particularly the Gulf states, to overcome their differences and unite against what he described as their “real enemy.” He made the appeal in a written message released on Sunday during Islamic Unity Week, amid heightened tensions across the Middle East. ?

Addressing the rulers of Gulf countries, Khamenei urged them to recognize what he portrayed as the principal threat facing the Muslim world, understand its objectives and strengthen cooperation among Muslim nations. He argued that divisions within the Muslim world could allow external powers to exploit regional differences and weaken the sovereignty of individual countries. ?

Khamenei also questioned whether the situation of Palestinians would have reached its current state if Muslim countries had been united. His remarks underline Iran’s continuing effort to frame the conflict in the region as part of a broader struggle involving the Muslim world and its external adversaries. ?

The appeal comes against the backdrop of the continuing US-Israel-Iran conflict, which has significantly increased tensions between Tehran and Gulf countries hosting US military facilities. Iran has targeted US military facilities and infrastructure in Gulf states during the conflict, raising concerns among regional governments about the possibility of further escalation. ?

The Strait of Hormuz remains a particularly sensitive issue. The strategic waterway is a major route for global energy shipments, and disruptions there have already generated concerns over oil supplies, shipping and the wider global economy. Iran’s influence over the waterway has become a major point of contention in its confrontation with the United States and its regional allies.

Khamenei’s latest message also comes at a time when Iran is facing considerable economic pressure from US sanctions and efforts to restrict its oil revenues and international trade. Washington has intensified measures aimed at economically isolating Tehran, while Iranian officials have continued to reject pressure to change their strategic position.

The Iranian leader has remained largely out of public view since being injured in US-Israeli airstrikes about six months ago. His absence has attracted considerable international attention, although his latest written message indicates that he continues to communicate Iran’s broader political and strategic position.

Khamenei’s call for Muslim unity is therefore likely to be closely watched across the Gulf. While Iran is seeking greater regional solidarity, relations between Tehran and several conservative Gulf monarchies have historically been strained by ideological, security and geopolitical rivalries.