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Iranian supreme leader calls on Gulf nations to unite against common adversary

Mojtaba Khamenei issued a written address as President Pezeshkian acknowledged a 35% drop in foreign trade under U.S. sanctions.

The short version

  • Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei released a written message urging Muslim and Gulf nations to form a united front against their real enemy.
  • President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that U.S. sanctions and a naval blockade have driven down Iran's exports and imports by roughly 35%.
  • Pezeshkian called for renewing an interim memorandum of understanding signed with the U.S. in June to secure sanctions relief and permit oil sales.

Key facts

  • Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei published a written statement on Telegram for Islamic Unity Week urging Gulf and West Asian rulers to unite against a common enemy.[NBC News]
  • Mojtaba Khamenei has not made a public appearance since sustaining injuries in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes six months ago that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.[NBC News]
  • President Masoud Pezeshkian reported on state television that U.S. sanctions and a naval blockade have reduced Iranian foreign trade by nearly 35%.[NBC News]
  • Pezeshkian advocated for reviving a June 17 memorandum of understanding with the U.S. that had temporarily granted sanctions relief and allowed oil exports before unraveling over disputes regarding the Strait of Hormuz.[NBC News]

What remains uncertain

  • It remains uncertain whether the U.S. or Gulf Arab states will respond to Tehran's diplomatic overtures or calls for regional unity.[NBC News]

Sources