Iran’s Khamenei says US, Israel aim to sow ‘division’ after war defeat

On Thursday, Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, accused the United States and Israel of attempting to create “division” among Iranians following a “decisive blow” in the recent Middle East conflict.

In a written address, Khamenei described the “malicious enemy” as seeking to “plant the seeds of doubt, despair, fear, mistrust and division” within the public. He urged Iranians to confront these “ill intentions” with steadfastness, insight, and unity, stating that “through steadfastness, insight, preserving unity and cohesion… neutralise their sinister plot.”

The remarks were recited by a prayer leader at the mausoleum of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, on the 37th anniversary of Khomeini’s death.

The 1979 revolution toppled the US‑backed Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, ending a dynasty. After Khomeini’s death in 1989, Ali Khamenei succeeded him as supreme leader until his death on February 28 this year, a casualty of US and Israeli attacks that sparked a regional war.

The conflict ended with a ceasefire on April 8, followed by direct and mediated talks that have yet to produce a permanent settlement.

Since 1989, Ali Khamenei has delivered a speech each June 4 at the commemoration. This year, an empty chair bearing his portrait stood at the mausoleum, as shown in footage from the site.

Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father in March, has remained largely out of public view, addressing Iranians only through written statements.

Portraits of him and the two previous supreme leaders were displayed at the mausoleum in southern Tehran during the live broadcast.

Attendees waved the flag of the Islamic Republic and banners of Hezbollah, the Lebanese group backed by Iran.

Iran has linked any agreement with the United States to end the war to a broader cessation of hostilities across the region, including Lebanon, where Hezbollah has launched attacks against Israel in support of Iran.

The article first appeared on Vanguard News.