Iran’s top political figures moved on Sunday to project unity after a message from the country’s supreme leader urged Iranians to close ranks amid deepening domestic tensions and renewed confrontation with the United States.

Al Jazeera reported that the message called on the public and officials to uphold “sacred unity” and avoid division at a time when criticism has intensified over a memorandum of understanding with Washington.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the leader’s appeal was essential to victory in the struggle against the enemy.

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The kingdom must keep its counsel

The message came after hardline supporters of the Iranian government accused officials of treason for signing the MoU with the US.

The leader had stressed that people and officials must refrain from “division, political disputes, and increases in social differences,” while also warning that Iran’s enemies must not see weakness.

The statement followed weeks of political unease, with some hardline critics denouncing the agreement and staging demonstrations, and with the MoU already under severe strain after Iran and the US exchanged attacks around the Strait of Hormuz.

A delicate balance of voices

Ghalibaf amplified that message on his X account, writing, “Insistence on sacred unity is not merely a moral or social recommendation; it is an essential prerequisite for victory in the struggle against the enemy.”

He added, “Let us regard adherence to the Supreme Leader’s religious and national directive as a vital part of our historic role in this national resistance and in governing the country.”

IRNA said Ghalibaf made the remarks a day after the leader’s message on national unity and that the leader described preserving “sacred unity” among people and officials as one of the country’s most fundamental priorities.

The leader said that such unity was necessary to protect Iran’s dignity and independence, particularly in the face of the US.

One decree, many loyal echoes

Other senior officials also moved to align publicly with the message. President Masoud Pezeshkian thanked the leader’s “wise” message and said that “adherence to the means of sacred unity and refraining from division and discord is the key to victory at this historic juncture.”

The state-linked Khorasan newspaper framed the latest statement as a warning that criticism is acceptable but accusations are not.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi continued to back a negotiated end to the conflict in a separate interview. Despite the messaging on unity, there was still no sign of either side returning to the negotiating table as tit-for-tat strikes continued.

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FAQs

Q1: Why did Iran’s supreme leader call for “sacred unity”?

Iran’s supreme leader urged “sacred unity” to reduce political divisions and maintain national cohesion amid tensions with the United States.

Q2: What did Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf say about the unity call?

Ghalibaf said the call for “sacred unity” was essential for national resistance, governance, and victory against Iran’s adversaries.