Iran's Khamenei urges Muslim unity as tensions mount over Strait of Hormuz

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has called on Muslim leaders, particularly those in the Gulf, to identify what he described as the “real enemy”, understand its plans and confront it collectively.

Khamenei made the remarks in a message posted on his Telegram account on Sunday, as Muslims mark Islamic Unity Week, which commemorates the birth of the Prophet Mohammed. He stressed the importance of Muslim unity, cooperation and self-defence, saying divisions among Muslims serve the interests of their enemies.

His message comes as tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel continue to affect the region, raising concerns over security and the economic impact of the conflict on Gulf states and other Middle Eastern countries.

Meanwhile, Iran's deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the Strait of Hormuz remained closed and that Tehran would not rush to reopen the strategic waterway. Hormuz is a key route for global oil shipments and international commercial shipping, making its status a major concern for energy markets and governments worldwide.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it maintained firm control over the Strait of Hormuz and urged the United States to stop what it called “misleading” statements about the strategic waterway.

As tensions between Tehran and Washington persist, Iraq has offered to act as a “bridge” between the two sides. Iraqi National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji said Baghdad wanted to help bring Iran and the United States to the negotiating table as diplomatic efforts continued to ease tensions in the region.

GAROWE ONLINE