Iran’s new Supreme Leader accuses US, Israel of fueling internal discord

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has accused the United States and Israel of attempting to destabilize the Islamic Republic by fostering division and distrust among its citizens following what he described as their failure in the recent Middle East conflict.

In a message released on Thursday to mark the 37th anniversary of the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Khamenei warned that foreign adversaries were pursuing a strategy aimed at weakening national unity from within.

The statement, read by a prayer leader at Khomeini’s mausoleum in Tehran, alleged that Iran’s enemies were working to spread uncertainty, fear and discord among the population after suffering a significant setback during the war.

“The malicious enemy seeks to plant the seeds of doubt, despair, fear, mistrust and division among the people,” the message said, urging Iranians to counter such efforts through unity, vigilance and resilience.

Khamenei called on citizens to remain steadfast and preserve social cohesion, arguing that national solidarity was essential to thwart what he described as a coordinated external campaign against the country.

The annual commemoration held added symbolic significance this year. For the first time in decades, the ceremony took place without a speech from the supreme leader at the mausoleum. An empty chair bearing the portrait of the late Ali Khamenei was displayed at the venue, according to footage broadcast by Iranian media.

Ali Khamenei, who led Iran from 1989 until his death during the US-Israeli military strikes of February 28, had traditionally addressed the gathering every June 4 since succeeding Khomeini.

His son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, has largely remained out of public view since assuming the country’s highest political and religious office in March. Since his appointment, he has communicated with the public primarily through written statements.

Images of Mojtaba Khamenei alongside portraits of Khomeini and Ali Khamenei were prominently displayed at the ceremony, which drew supporters carrying Iranian flags and banners of Hezbollah, Tehran’s key regional ally.

The remarks come amid continuing uncertainty over efforts to negotiate a lasting end to the conflict that erupted earlier this year. Although a ceasefire agreement reached on April 8 halted large-scale hostilities, direct and indirect talks aimed at securing a permanent settlement have yet to produce a breakthrough.

Iranian officials have repeatedly maintained that any comprehensive agreement with the United States must be tied to a broader cessation of hostilities across the region, including in Lebanon, where Hezbollah has continued military operations against Israel in support of Tehran.