In a powerful address during Friday prayers in Tehran, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, emphasized the unity of Middle Eastern nations against a shared adversary.
Speaking before a large congregation, Khamenei declared that “the enemy of the Iranian nation is the same as the enemy of the Iraqi nation, the same as the enemy of the Lebanese nation, the same as the enemy of the Egyptian nation; the enemy of all of us is one.”
The statement, shared by Iran’s military on their verified Twitter account, underscores Khamenei’s broader message of regional solidarity against what he perceives as external forces undermining the sovereignty and stability of nations across the Middle East. Though the speech did not explicitly name this common enemy, Iran has consistently referred to the United States and Israel as key adversaries in the region, often accusing them of meddling in the internal affairs of Middle Eastern countries.
Khamenei’s remarks come at a time of heightened tensions across the region. Iraq, Lebanon, and Egypt, like Iran, have faced significant internal challenges, including political instability, protests, and foreign interventions. By framing these struggles as part of a larger battle against a single enemy, Khamenei seeks to strengthen the bond between these nations and galvanize a united front against perceived Western and Israeli influence.
The message also reinforces Iran’s position as a leader of resistance movements in the Middle East, particularly its support for groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and various militia forces in Iraq. Khamenei’s call for unity resonates with many of these groups, which view foreign powers as threats to their national sovereignty.