Rizky Amelia
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has called for unity among Gulf nations to confront their "real enemy," as tensions remain high over the Strait of Hormuz. The call comes as Tehran maintains a hard line on the strategic waterway, which is crucial for global oil and gas shipments.
In a message published on Sunday, marking the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, Khamenei emphasized the need for Gulf rulers to identify and confront their adversaries. "My emphatic and repeated recommendation to the rulers of Islamic countries, especially the countries of West Asia and the Gulf, is to identify your real enemy, understand his plan and confront it," he said.
Khamenei's remarks follow a period of increased tensions in the region, particularly following US-Israeli attacks on February 28 that killed his father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Since then, the Strait of Hormuz has remained a focal point of contention.
The strait, which sees about 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass through, has been subject to restrictions by Iran. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on Saturday that Iran had reached an understanding with Oman on a temporary maritime route, but its implementation hinges on the United States fulfilling its commitments under a memorandum of understanding signed in June.
"The Strait of Hormuz is closed," Gharibabadi stated, adding that any vessel seeking to cross would need to coordinate with Iran. "Implementing this understanding requires the other side, particularly the US, to fulfill its commitments. Whenever these commitments are implemented, Iran will also take its measures."
As the standoff persists, regional mediators are pushing for renewed diplomacy. Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, visited Tehran last week, where talks included de-escalation and restoring shipping through Hormuz.
Despite these efforts, the situation remains delicate. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) reported on Friday that up to 400 ships carrying about 6,000 seafarers have been unable to leave the Gulf safely since the US-Israel war on Iran began. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez called for renewed political will and cooperation to restore freedom of navigation through the strait.
The economic pressure on Tehran is also mounting. Iran's annual inflation reached 66 percent last month, and President Masoud Pezeshkian said imports and exports had fallen nearly 35 percent due to US sanctions and the naval blockade. Despite this, Tehran has shown no sign of yielding on Hormuz.
Pezeshkian has instead called for reviving the June interim agreement with Washington, stating, "We can solve our problems and gain our privileges with the memorandum of understanding."
The situation in the Gulf has raised concerns about the stability of global oil markets and the potential for further escalation. While the United States has widened its sanctions campaign against Iran, targeting Iran-linked individuals and entities, Tehran has continued to assert its control over the Strait of Hormuz.
As the region grapples with these challenges, the call for Gulf unity from Iran's Supreme Leader may be seen as a crucial step in navigating the complex geopolitical landscape. Whether this call will be heeded remains to be seen, but the stakes are high for both regional and global stability.
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