Iranian Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Urges Muslim Unity Against U.S. and Israel

Iranian leader Mojtaba Khamenei released a statement on May 26 calling for greater unity among Muslim countries against the United States and Israel. S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian facilities, Iranian retaliation, and shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire has largely held while talks proceed on a proposed memorandum of understanding. S. President Donald Trump said on May 25 that negotiations were “proceeding nicely” but warned that failure could lead to renewed military action. S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump would not accept a “bad deal” and would pursue “another way” if diplomacy failed.

According to Iranian officials, the proposed memorandum focuses on ending fighting, easing sanctions, and reopening maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz while postponing nuclear issues. Trump stated that Iran’s uranium would either be “destroyed in place,” handed to the United States, or taken to another “acceptable location” for disposal.

Israeli security officials told Epoch Magazine Israel that Iranian leaders view the shift toward negotiations as a strategic success after months of pressure. Iranian media reports cited by those officials portrayed Tehran as pushing Washington toward a step-by-step framework.

” Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz has contributed to higher oil prices, with pump prices for American drivers reaching a four-year high.