Iran's Khamenei urges Gulf rulers in written message to confront 'real enemy'

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called on Muslim countries, especially those in the Gulf region, to set aside divisions and unite against what he described as their shared “real enemy.” In a written message addressed to Gulf leaders, Khamenei emphasized that internal conflicts among Muslims play into the hands of their adversaries, warning that such disunity only benefits external powers seeking to destabilize the region.

The message, issued through official channels, comes at a time of heightened regional tensions and ongoing disputes between Iran and several Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia. While the content of the letter was not made public, Iranian state media highlighted Khamenei’s appeal for Muslim unity and joint action against what he framed as a common threat. The statement echoes decades-old Iranian rhetoric calling for Islamic solidarity while urging resistance to foreign influence in the region.

Regional analysts note that Khamenei’s latest call follows a pattern of Iran positioning itself as a defender of Muslim causes, especially against what it portrays as U.S. and Western interference in the Middle East. The Supreme Leader’s remarks come amid ongoing efforts by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members to balance relations with Iran while maintaining alliances with Western powers, particularly the United States.

The timing of the message also coincides with efforts by some Gulf states to de-escalate tensions with Iran, including diplomatic engagements and cautious dialogue. However, longstanding rivalries, including disputes over Yemen and regional proxy conflicts, continue to strain relations. Iran has been a key supporter of groups like the Houthi movement in Yemen, which has fought a Saudi-led coalition, further complicating efforts at reconciliation.

Khamenei’s statement did not name specific countries or adversaries, but it underscored the broader ideological stance that Iran uses to justify its regional policies. By framing external powers as the “real enemy,” Iran seeks to rally Muslim support behind its vision of resistance and self-determination, a narrative it has promoted since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The message also serves as a reminder of Iran’s ongoing efforts to influence regional politics through ideological appeals, even as it faces international isolation over its nuclear program and human rights record. The Supreme Leader’s call for unity among Muslim nations is likely intended to strengthen Iran’s diplomatic leverage in the Gulf and across the wider Islamic world.

Regional observers suggest that while Khamenei’s appeal may resonate with some audiences, practical divisions—particularly between Sunni-led Gulf states and Shiite-majority Iran—remain deep. Achieving meaningful unity under a shared cause will require more than rhetorical gestures, especially given the entrenched geopolitical and sectarian divides shaping the Middle East today.

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