Last night, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a call for unity among Iranians regardless of political differences. “[P]reserving unity and avoiding division and conflict over political differences is a universal duty, and certainly, the role of the officials and elements that are passionate and devoted to the Revolution and the Imam and our Martyred Leader and the cohesion and integrity of the country is very important and crucial,” he said. “On this basis, our dear people of Iran, by continuing to trust the diligent officials in all three branches of government, whose efforts for the welfare and happiness of the nation are evident, will continue to be vigilant and active in the field to ensure the protection of the interests of the Islamic Republic.”
“The warmth of the broken hearts, tearful eyes and firm determination of the tens of millions of people marching in Tehran, Qom, Mashhad and other cities and villages have inspired admiration among the friends of the Iranian nation and all free people of the world, and left the enemies of the Iranian nation bewildered, confused, enraged and defeated,” he said at the outset, referring to the funeral processions for his father.
The US, on the other hand, has “once again proved to everyone how worthless and invalid the signature of the U.S. President is, and how totalitarian bullying and barbarism are inseparable parts of American ideology and practice.”
President Masoud Pezeshkian praised Khamenei’s statement, calling it “the most important source of backing and the greatest asset for safeguarding the national interests and upholding the dignity of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Adherence to the requirements of the sacred unity and avoidance of discord and division is the key to victory at this historic juncture.” Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf similarly responded, arguing that Khamenei’s call for unity is “an essential condition for victory” and “an important part of our historical role-playing in this national resistance and in the governance of the country.”
