Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has called on Muslim countries in the region to unite against the United States and Israel, urging their leaders to identify what he described as the "real enemy".
Khamenei made the appeal in a written message issued on Sunday, six months after the beginning of the Middle East war. His statement came as Shia Muslims marked the birthday of Prophet Mohammed.
"The solution to the problems of the Islamic nations is unity of words, friendship, and cooperation on the path of goodness," Khamenei said, according to his official website.
He urged the rulers of regional countries to recognise what he called their "real enemy", understand its plans and confront it. His remarks were directed at the United States and Israel amid continuing tensions across the region.
Iran has previously targeted US military bases in several Middle Eastern countries during the conflict, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain. The attacks have strained Tehran's relations with several of its regional neighbours.
Khamenei also called for unity inside Iran, asking government officials and citizens to put aside their differences. He warned against actions that could weaken social cohesion at a time when the country is facing intense external pressure.
"I firmly declare that doing anything detrimental to social cohesion is prohibited," he said in a statement on Friday.
The Iranian leader has also spoken about the country's economic challenges. In his earlier message, he called for a gradual reduction in Iran's dependence on the US dollar and urged authorities to increase domestic production to support economic growth.
Iran's economy has been under pressure from years of international sanctions. The situation has been further complicated by the conflict and a US naval blockade, which have affected trade and livelihoods.
Mojtaba Khamenei assumed the position of supreme leader after his father, Ali Khamenei, was killed at the start of the war on February 28, according to the report. However, the new leader has not appeared publicly since taking power.
Iranian authorities have so far not released any video or audio recording of Mojtaba Khamenei, adding to questions about his public role and visibility.
His latest message nevertheless signals that the Iranian leadership continues to focus heavily on resistance to the United States and Israel, while also stressing unity among Iran's population and Muslim-majority countries across the region.
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