‘Recognise your real enemy’, Iran Supreme Leader sends message to Middle East

TEHRAN: Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has urged Muslim countries in the Middle East to identify what he described as their “real enemy,” understand its plans and work together to confront emerging threats.

Khamenei delivered the message in a written statement marking the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), calling on regional governments to take a closer look at the rapidly changing security and political environment.

According to reports, the Iranian leader urged rulers of Muslim countries to recognise their common interests and strengthen unity in the face of external challenges. His message also called for greater cooperation and mutual support among Muslim nations.

“Identify your real enemy, understand its plans and confront it,” Khamenei said, according to reports on the statement.

The message comes at a particularly sensitive moment for the Middle East, where tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States remain high following months of military confrontation.

Khamenei’s remarks appear to be aimed particularly at countries in the Gulf, encouraging them to reassess their security relationships and regional priorities. His call for Muslim unity also reflects Tehran’s longstanding argument that regional countries should reduce dependence on outside powers and pursue closer cooperation.

The statement is likely to attract attention among Gulf governments, many of which maintain close security and economic ties with the United States while also seeking to avoid being drawn directly into wider regional conflicts.

Iran’s leadership has repeatedly portrayed the US and Israel as major threats to regional stability. Recent statements attributed to Khamenei have also emphasised resistance, national unity and opposition to foreign pressure.

The latest message therefore carries both political and security significance. It comes as regional governments face difficult choices over how to balance relations with Washington, Tehran and other major powers while protecting their own interests.

Khamenei’s appeal for unity may also reflect Iran’s broader effort to shape the political debate in the Gulf at a time when regional alliances and security arrangements are being reassessed.

For Middle Eastern countries, the message presents a familiar but increasingly urgent question: whether regional security should continue to rely heavily on outside powers or whether neighbouring states can develop stronger mechanisms for cooperation.

With tensions still simmering across the region, Khamenei’s call to “recognise the real enemy” is likely to remain part of Tehran’s broader political message as it seeks greater regional unity and influence.