Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Sunday accused the United States and Israel of being the “sworn enemies" of Muslim unity, saying both countries are hostile toward Muslims more broadly.
“The criminal rulers of the US and the illegitimate Zionist regime are the sworn enemies of this unity and friendship," Khamenei said in a message marking Islamic Unity Week. He added that even leaders of Muslim countries regarded as allies of Washington and Jerusalem were subject to what he characterized as their hostility.
Khamenei also argued that stronger unity among Muslims could have provided greater support to the Palestinian Arabs, questioning whether they would have been left “so defenseless" had Muslims acted as “a single, united hand."
The message came two days after Khamenei urged Iranian officials to preserve national unity and avoid rhetoric that could damage public confidence.
In his Friday message for Government Week, he declared: “I firmly declare that committing anything that harms social cohesion is forbidden."
He further called on officials to avoid “discouraging statements that weaken national and public motivation" and warned against what he described as artificial political distinctions, including “war or negotiations," “consensus or extremism" and “compromise or warmongering."
Khamenei called on authorities to highlight Iran's “power and strength," arguing that drawing attention to the country's weaknesses could aid its enemies and weaken the morale of its supporters.
He also addressed Iran's economic difficulties, calling for greater focus on inflation, unemployment, prices, investment and domestic production. He additionally backed reducing the dollar's role in the Iranian economy.
Khamenei has not appeared publicly since the start of the 40-day war on February 28. His absence followed the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, in joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Mojtaba Khamenei's subsequent elevation to the Supreme Leader position.
His continued absence has prompted speculation about his health and whereabouts, including claims that he suffered serious injuries or may have died.
In July, Saudi broadcaster Al Hadath cited an Israeli defense source who alleged that Khamenei had left Iran. The source also claimed that statements issued in his name were being prepared by Ahmad Vahidi and IRGC leaders, and alleged that internal divisions within the Revolutionary Guards posed an existential threat to the organization as unrest grew inside Iran.
CNN reported in March that Khamenei was injured on the first day of the conflict, allegedly suffering a broken foot, injuries near his left eye and facial lacerations.
Earlier this month, a report attributed to Khamenei's office claimed that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had held a conference with the Supreme Leader. No visual evidence was provided to support the report.
US President Donald Trump addressed the speculation surrounding Khamenei's condition during an interview with The Glenn Beck Program last week. Trump said he did not believe the Iranian leader had died, but claimed he had been seriously injured.
“I don't think he's dead. He was very seriously wounded," Trump said. “The left side of his body, the arm, the leg, the whole thing, he was very seriously wounded. But I don't think he's dead."
Trump also said Iranian officials continue to behave as though they are consulting Khamenei and obtaining his approval for decisions.
“And if he is, they're putting on a pretty good show because they talk about, you know, going back to talk to him all the time, you know, to get a final blessing on things," the President said.