Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei urged Muslim countries, particularly those in the Gulf, to unite against what he called their “real enemy” in a message published on his Telegram account on August 30, 2026. The statement arrived as up to 400 ships carrying about 6,000 seafarers remained unable to leave the Gulf safely during the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran.

Mojtaba Khamenei said his emphatic and repeated recommendation to the rulers of Islamic countries, especially the countries of West Asia and the Gulf, was to identify their real enemy, understand his plan and confront it. The message was released for Islamic Unity Week, which marks the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, and called for Muslim unity, cooperation in various fields and mutual defense.

Khamenei stated that divisions among Muslims served the interests of their adversaries. He wrote that anyone who creates divisions among Muslims, knowingly or unknowingly, helps Islam’s enemies. The message asked whether Palestinians would have been left so helpless if Muslims had been united. Khamenei also addressed regional security directly, asking Gulf Arab rulers whether rogues without identity would have dared to covet their lands and possessions if the peoples and governments of the Gulf had been "united under the flag of Islam."

The appeal for unity follows recent military escalations, during which Tehran has struck U.S. military facilities as well as other infrastructure in Gulf states. Khamenei has not been seen in public since being injured in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes six months ago that killed his father and previous supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His recent communications echo a statement he made on August 26, 2026, to Iranians, in which he banned actions that harm social cohesion, indicating a recurring emphasis on internal and regional solidarity.

Economic pressures complicate the geopolitical landscape, with Iran's annual inflation reaching a high level in July 2026. President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iranian exports and imports had slumped nearly 35% because of U.S. sanctions and a naval blockade of Iranian ports. Despite these challenges, Pezeshkian noted that Iran was able to sell about 90 million barrels of oil during the short-lived memorandum of understanding that the U.S. and Iran signed in June.

Pezeshkian called on state TV for a revival of the interim deal, which was signed on June 17 but quickly unravelled during disagreements over what had been agreed, especially on the status of the Strait of Hormuz. He said that Iran could solve its problems and gain its privileges with the memorandum of understanding. The president also denied allegations that he had threatened to resign during negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz, addressing claims that emerged during internal political tensions. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued decrees formally setting Iran's new senior leadership, including the appointment of Hossein Taeb as the head of the Basij.

Why It Matters

The convergence of Khamenei’s call for regional unity with the severe disruption of maritime trade reflects the high stakes of the current conflict. With hundreds of ships stranded and inflation soaring, the economic and logistical consequences extend beyond Iran’s borders, affecting global energy supplies and regional stability. The historical distrust between Iran and Gulf monarchies complicates any immediate diplomatic resolution, as decades of ideological opposition shape current security policies.

The situation hinges on the implementation of previous agreements and the willingness of international actors to engage. While Iranian officials link the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to U.S. compliance with the June memorandum, the International Maritime Organization emphasizes the need for practical measures to ensure safe passage. The outcome will determine not only the flow of oil but also the broader geopolitical alignment of West Asia.

Timeline

On August 26, 2026, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei's call for Muslim unity echoes a statement he made on August 26, 2026, to Iranians, in which he banned actions that harm social cohesion, indicating a recurring emphasis on internal and regional solidarity. On August 28, 2026, the International Maritime Organization said on Friday that up to 400 ships carrying about 6,000 seafarers have been unable to leave the Gulf safely since the US-Israel war on Iran began. Also on August 28, 2026, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said renewed political will and cooperation was needed, calling for practical measures to restore freedom of navigation through the strait.

On August 29, 2026, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on Saturday that Iran had reached an understanding with Oman on a temporary maritime route. Also on August 29, 2026, he stated that the implementation of the maritime understanding would depend on the United States fulfilling its commitments under the memorandum of understanding the countries signed in mid-June. Additionally on August 29, 2026, he said the Strait of Hormuz was closed, adding that any vessel seeking to cross would have to coordinate with Iran. Furthermore on August 29, 2026, he said implementing this understanding requires the other side, particularly the US, to fulfil its commitments. Whenever these commitments are implemented, Iran will also take its measures. On August 30, 2026, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei urged Muslim countries, particularly those in the Gulf, to unite against what he called their “real enemy.”

What's New

Further statements clarify the maritime situation. Deputy Foreign Minister Gharibabadi said on Saturday that Iran had reached an understanding with Oman on a temporary maritime route.

IMO Secretary-General Dominguez said renewed political will and cooperation was needed, calling for practical measures to restore freedom of navigation through the strait.