Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has accused the country’s adversaries of shifting to “hybrid warfare” after suffering what he described as a major defeat in military confrontation and efforts to destabilise the country.
In a message marking the 37th anniversary of the death of Islamic Republic founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Mojtaba said Iran’s enemies were now focusing on psychological and political tactics aimed at creating divisions among the Iranian people and undermining confidence in state institutions.
The message appeared on his official X account and Iranian media outlets carried it nationwide. It marked one of the most significant public statements by Iran’s third supreme leader since he assumed office on March 8 following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Focus Shifts to ‘Hybrid Warfare’
Mojtaba said Iran’s adversaries changed strategy after failing to achieve their goals through military means during the recent conflict that engulfed the region.
“The malicious enemy has been defeated in its confrontation with the armed forces. Since it has received a decisive blow both in military combat and in Iran’s public squares and streets, it’s experiencing a profound and significant humiliation,” he said.
According to Mojtaba, foreign powers are now trying to weaken public resilience and influence decision-making inside Iran.
“The enemy has focused its schemes in hybrid warfare on two points: the resilience of the Iranian people and trying to create errors in the assessments of the country’s officials. The instrument it’s using for both is sowing the seeds of doubt, despair, fear, mistrust and discord.”
He urged Iranians to maintain national unity and resist efforts aimed at creating internal divisions.
“In confronting these ill intentions, everyone must, through steadfastness, insight, preserving unity and cohesion … neutralise their sinister plot,” the message said.
Remarks Come After Regional Conflict
The statement comes months after a major regional conflict erupted following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. Those attacks killed former supreme leader Ali Khamenei and triggered a wider confrontation that drew international concern.
The fighting continued until April 8, when both sides accepted a ceasefire. Diplomatic efforts since then have failed to secure a permanent agreement.
Mojtaba also criticised the United States and Israel during his message.
“Imperialism, led by the US, has built a military base called Israel over the past 80 years. And they don’t accept the existence of a strong, independent Iran on the eastern border of the false, illegitimate geography of ‘Greater Israel’ that is, east of the Euphrates River.”
Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported that Mojtaba also warned against actions that could weaken public confidence.
He said that “any act that causes pessimism and disappointment among the people is considered a kind of aid to the enemy of this country and its people”.
Officials read the message during a ceremony at Khomeini’s mausoleum in southern Tehran. The event marked the first June 4 commemoration without a speech from Ali Khamenei since he succeeded Khomeini in 1989.
State television footage showed an empty chair carrying Ali Khamenei’s portrait at the site. Portraits of Mojtaba, Ruhollah Khomeini and Ali Khamenei also appeared throughout the venue. Supporters waved Iranian flags and banners of Hezbollah during the ceremony.
The anniversary remains one of the most important political and religious events in Iran’s calendar and often serves as a platform for leaders to outline the country’s direction during periods of regional tension.
