Khamenei Warns Muslim Divisions Benefit the “Real Enemy,” Calls for Greater Unity

TEHRAN: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called on Muslims to strengthen unity and avoid internal divisions, warning that disagreements among Muslim communities can ultimately serve the interests of those seeking to weaken the Islamic world.

Khamenei made the remarks while addressing an audience in Tehran, where he emphasized the importance of solidarity among Muslims despite differences in sect, ethnicity, nationality and political views. He argued that internal conflicts can distract communities from broader challenges facing the Muslim world.

Warning Against Division

According to Khamenei, efforts to create divisions among Muslims can take many forms, including political disputes, sectarian tensions, misinformation and media campaigns. He said Muslims should remain alert to attempts that could deepen disagreements and prevent cooperation.

He described unity as an important source of strength and urged Muslim communities to focus on issues that they share rather than allowing differences to become a source of hostility.

The Iranian leader also stressed that disagreement itself is not necessarily the problem. In his view, different opinions and cultural traditions are natural, but these differences should not be exploited to create hatred or conflict between Muslim communities.

Call for Solidarity

Khamenei’s comments come as the wider Middle East continues to face significant political and humanitarian challenges. He referred to conflicts affecting Palestinians and other communities in the region and argued that continued division makes it more difficult for Muslim-majority countries and communities to respond collectively.

He called for greater cooperation among Muslim nations and encouraged religious scholars, intellectuals and media organizations to promote messages of understanding rather than confrontation.

The Supreme Leader said that Muslims should recognize their shared religious and cultural foundations and avoid allowing political disagreements to permanently damage relations between communities.

Role of Media and Public Opinion

A significant part of Khamenei’s message focused on the influence of modern media. He warned that information campaigns can intensify disagreements by presenting communities against one another.

He urged journalists, religious scholars and intellectuals to act responsibly and to examine information carefully before accepting narratives that could increase hostility.

The comments reflect a broader argument frequently made by Iranian officials that foreign powers can benefit when Muslim countries remain divided and focused on internal disputes.

Differences Should Not Become Hostility

Khamenei also emphasized that Muslim unity does not necessarily require everyone to think or behave in exactly the same way. Differences in culture, politics and religious interpretation have existed throughout history.

Instead, he argued that Muslims should learn to manage those differences peacefully and prevent them from becoming causes of violence or permanent hostility.

He presented cooperation and mutual respect as essential elements of a stronger Muslim world, saying that communities can maintain their individual identities while still working together on issues of common concern.

Focus on Common Challenges

The Iranian leader’s remarks also highlighted the importance of concentrating on shared challenges. He argued that poverty, conflict, humanitarian crises and political instability require cooperation rather than greater division.

According to this view, disagreements that consume political and public attention can make it harder for countries and communities to address problems affecting ordinary people.

Khamenei therefore called for greater awareness of what he described as attempts to exploit differences among Muslims. He urged people to look beyond short-term political disputes and consider the wider interests of Muslim communities.

Regional Context

The comments come against the backdrop of continuing tensions across the Middle East, where political rivalries and armed conflicts have created deep divisions among countries and communities.

Iran has frequently presented itself as a supporter of greater cooperation among Muslim nations while also maintaining strong positions on regional political issues. Khamenei’s latest remarks fit within that broader approach, emphasizing solidarity and resistance to external pressure.

His message also placed particular importance on the Palestinian issue, which has remained a major point of discussion in Iran’s foreign-policy rhetoric.

A Message of Unity

Khamenei concluded his message by stressing that Muslim strength depends in large part on solidarity. He urged communities to avoid unnecessary confrontation and to recognize the consequences that prolonged internal conflict can have on the wider Muslim world.

His comments are likely to contribute to an ongoing debate about how Muslim-majority countries can manage political and sectarian differences while finding common ground on regional and international issues.

The central message was clear: differences may exist, but allowing those differences to develop into hostility can weaken communities and create opportunities for others to influence or exploit internal disputes.

Khamenei therefore urged Muslims to remain united, aware and focused on their common interests while maintaining respect for legitimate differences within the wider Muslim community.