Iran's Supreme Leader Warns Gulf States Against 'True Enemy'

Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a strong warning via social media on Sunday, urging leaders of Muslim nations, particularly those in the Gulf, to identify and confront their 'true enemy.' The message, posted frequently on his X account despite his public absence, stated that the 'rulers of crime of the United States and the illegitimate Zionist regime' harbor animosity towards the entire Islamic nation, and even their allies are not exempt from this threat. Khamenei elaborated that the enemy seeks to exploit ethnic, cultural, social, economic, political, and geographical differences to sow division among Muslims, weaken them, and eventually impose their rule. He further asserted that anyone contributing to division within the Islamic community, intentionally or unintentionally, advances the agenda of Islam's enemies.

This warning comes amidst significant economic challenges for Iran. Yesterday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian revealed that exports and imports have plummeted by approximately 35% due to U.S. sanctions. Pezeshkian also noted that Iran managed to sell about 90 million barrels of oil during a short-term understanding with the U.S. in June, which permitted such sales. A written statement attributed to Supreme Leader Khamenei also highlighted the urgent need to address economic issues like inflation, unemployment, price controls, and services.

In response to the sanctions, the Iranian government declared its firm stance against them, labeling them as 'conspiracies between the U.S. and Israel.' The government announced a dual strategy focusing on curbing inflation, creating jobs, supporting domestic production, and gradually reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar.