Friday, June 5, 2026 - Iran’s supreme leader has accused the United States and Israel of attempting to sow division within Iran following what he described as their “defeat” in the recent Middle East war.

In a written message, Mojtaba Khamenei said “the malicious enemy” was seeking to “plant the seeds of doubt, despair, fear, mistrust and division” among the Iranian public.

He called for unity and resilience in response, urging citizens to “neutralise their sinister plot” through steadfastness, insight, and national cohesion.

The remarks were read by a prayer leader at the mausoleum of the founder of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, during the 37th anniversary of his death.

The 1979 revolution overthrew the US-backed Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, ending decades of monarchy in Iran.

Following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989, Ali Khamenei succeeded him as supreme leader until he was killed during US and Israeli attacks earlier this year, which triggered a wider regional conflict.

The war ended with a ceasefire in April, followed by ongoing diplomatic efforts that have yet to produce a lasting agreement.

This year’s commemoration differed from previous ceremonies, as no speech was delivered in person by Ali Khamenei. Instead, an empty chair bearing his portrait was placed at the mausoleum, according to state broadcast footage.

Mojtaba Khamenei, who has assumed the role of supreme leader, has largely remained out of public view since his selection and has communicated with the public mainly through written statements.

Portraits of him and previous Iranian leaders were displayed at the ceremony, while attendees waved Iranian flags and banners of Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese group.

Iran has also linked any potential agreement with the United States to broader regional de-escalation, including the ongoing conflict involving Hezbollah in Lebanon.