Khamenei: Regional Crises Are Not Related to Shia and Sunni

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, on Wednesday, December 15, attacked the United States, calling it the "main cause of numerous problems in the region" and stated: "Regional crises have nothing to do with Shia and Sunni." According to Iranian media, in a meeting with Ramadan Abdullah, the Secretary-General of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement, Khamenei referred to the U.S. as the "great oppressor and the greatest devil," claiming that it, along with the "interference of small devils in the region," has exacerbated the existing crises. His accusations come at a time when the U.S. and several other countries, including Saudi Arabia, accuse Tehran of interfering in regional affairs and supporting terrorist groups. However, Iran denies these allegations, stating that it only assists liberation groups. Khamenei also accused the U.S. and its regional allies of attempting to "create various incidents and introduce the factor of religion into crises," adding: "Contrary to propaganda, Sunni people in Aleppo, Mosul, and other cities have been massacred and continue to be by criminal Takfiris; therefore, these crises have nothing to do with Shia and Sunni." British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson had previously stated: "Iran and Saudi Arabia are strengthening a proxy war between Shia and Sunni in the Middle East." His remarks were met with reactions from many, including Iranian officials. Meanwhile, Helen Bower, spokesperson for the British Prime Minister, characterized Johnson's comments as his "personal opinion," stating that they do not reflect British policies regarding Saudi Arabia and its role in the Middle East. Khamenei further stated that the aim of creating crises is "to diminish the issue of Palestine in the public consciousness of the region and to make it forgotten by nations." The leader of the Islamic Republic described the "leaders of Takfiri groups" as "Imams of disbelief" and added: "One of the most important issues in the region is the universal confrontation with Takfiri groups such as ISIS, Al-Nusra Front, and others; otherwise, due to the continuous crisis creation by Takfiris, the issue of Palestine will remain sidelined." He announced that Palestine is "the first issue of the Islamic world" and that Iran fulfills its duties in this regard, adding: "Provided there is a universal struggle and unity among Palestinians and Muslims against the Zionists, the Zionist regime will not exist in the next 25 years." The leader of the Islamic Republic had previously told Israeli officials in September this year: "You will not see the next 25 years." Khamenei's remarks were a response to comments made by some Israeli officials who had said: "After the nuclear negotiations, we are free from Iran's concerns for 25 years." Earlier, Mohammad Reza Naqdi, the former head of the Basij Organization, stated in a speech on December 1 that Iran would "liberate Palestine within ten years." According to reports, the Secretary-General of the Islamic Jihad Movement mentioned the "several-fold increase in the combat capabilities of resistance groups compared to the 51-day war" with Israel and reported on the "enhancement of the range and accuracy of resistance missiles." Israel has previously accused Iran of providing military assistance to the Islamic Jihad Movement, Hamas, and Hezbollah. In this context, Ali Shamkhani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, stated on October 22 that "Iran's military support for Palestinian groups will continue as in previous years." Shamkhani told Mehr News Agency that this process has been "explicitly approved by the highest authority in the country" and is aimed at "increasing the defensive capabilities of the Palestinian people." Ramadan Abdullah, the Secretary-General of the Islamic Jihad Movement, and his accompanying delegation traveled to Iran to participate in the 30th International Conference on Islamic Unity. Previously, Ayatollah Mohsen Araki, Secretary-General of the World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought, announced the presence of 220 foreign personalities at this conference. Ayatollah Araki also mentioned that Sheikh Al-Azhar of Egypt was invited to attend this conference, but Egyptian government officials prevented his travel to Iran.