Iran's Khamenei claims the US and Israel seek to create 'discord' following their military setbacks.

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Mojtaba Khamenei

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Iran’s supreme leader on Thursday accused the US and Israel of trying to sow “division” among Iranians after suffering a “decisive blow” during the Middle East war.

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In a written message, Mojtaba Khamenei said “the malicious enemy” was seeking to “plant the seeds of doubt, despair, fear, mistrust and division” among the public.

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“In confronting these ill intentions, everyone must, through steadfastness, insight, preserving unity and cohesion… neutralise their sinister plot,” his message said.

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The remarks by Iran’s third supreme leader were recited by a prayer leader at the mausoleum of the founder of Iran’s Islamic revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, on the 37th anniversary of his death.

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The 1979 revolution toppled the US-backed shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, ending a dynasty.

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After Khomeini’s death in 1989, Ali Khamenei succeeded him as supreme leader until he was killed on February 28 this year during US and Israeli attacks that triggered a regional war.

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The conflict was halted with a ceasefire deal on April 8, followed by direct and mediated talks for a permanent end that have failed to reach an agreement.

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Every June 4 since 1989, Ali Khamenei had delivered a speech at the commemoration. This year an empty chair bearing his portrait stood at the mausoleum, according to footage broadcast from the site.

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Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father, has remained out of public view since his selection in March and has addressed Iranians only through written statements.

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Portraits of him and the two previous supreme leaders were displayed at the mausoleum in southern Tehran, according to the live broadcast.

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Attendees waved the flag of the Islamic republic and banners of the Lebanese group Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran.

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Iran has linked any agreement with the United States to end the war with a broader end to hostilities across the region, including in Lebanon, where Hezbollah has launched attacks against Israel in support of Iran.

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