Top Shia cleric urges Muslim unity against US, Israel, says Iran defending regional security

A prominent Shia Marja’ has said Iran’s resistance to the US-Israeli war of aggression represents a defense by the entire region and the Muslim world against foreign domination, calling for greater Muslim unity in confronting arrogant powers.

In a statement read at the opening of the 40th International Conference on Islamic Unity on Thursday, Ayatollah Hossein Nouri Hamedani emphasized that Islamic unity is no longer merely a recommendation, but a “rational necessity and religious obligation” in the face of concerted efforts by external powers to divide and weaken the Muslim Ummah.

Ayatollah Nouri Hamedani warned against the misconception that US and Israeli hostility is directed solely at Iran, stressing that the threat extends beyond the country’s borders.

"Experience has clearly shown that their goal is to dominate the region and prevent Islamic countries from gaining power," he stated.

He cautioned that any Muslim country seeking independence and refusing to submit to foreign hegemony would ultimately face similar threats, stressing that the security, sovereignty and dignity of the Muslim world are inseparably intertwined.

"No Islamic country can achieve sustainable security and power while surrounded by weakness, insecurity, and division in other Islamic states," he noted.

Warning against foreign military bases

Addressing regional dynamics, the cleric expressed regret that, despite Iran's historical commitment to Islamic unity and the high costs it has borne for this cause, "some Muslim lands are unfortunately being used as bases to threaten or attack the Islamic Republic of Iran."

He asserted that defending Iran's independence and territorial integrity is a legitimate right and a clear religious duty.

"In reality and in the long term, this defense is a defense of the security of the region and Muslim nations whom the common enemy seeks to dominate," he added, making it clear that any aggression against Iran would be met with a necessary and justified response.

A roadmap for Islamic world

Outlining a four-point directive for the Islamic world, Ayatollah Nouri Hamedani stressed that theological or scientific differences must remain within academic circles and must never be weaponized to incite conflict, hostility, or takfir among Muslims.

He identified the "vile and occupying Zionist regime and its oppressive backers" as the primary enemy of the Ummah.

He firmly stated that any diplomatic normalization with or assistance to this regime fundamentally contradicts the interests of the Muslim world, urging a unified front in support of oppressed populations in Palestine, Lebanon, and other targeted areas.

Pezeshkian: Division among Muslims serves global Zionism

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian says division and discord among Muslims are exactly what the enemies of Islam desire.

Furthermore, he called upon the Islamic governments to deepen their cooperation and cease relying on foreign powers whose only interests lie in their own gain and the survival of the Zionist regime.

"The presence of these enemies in our region brings nothing but insecurity and corruption," he warned.

In concluding his statement, Ayatollah Nouri Hamedani underscored the heavy responsibility shouldered by Islamic scholars, seminaries and universities.

He called on them to take the lead in advancing Muslim unity, raising awareness of hostile plots and providing forums for constructive, high-level dialogue, rather than allowing themselves to be exploited to deepen sectarian divisions.

He also wished the participants of the 40th International Conference on Islamic Unity success, urging them to develop practical, actionable strategies to strengthen ties among Muslim governments, peoples and academic institutions in the face of ongoing enemy plots.

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