Mojtaba Khamenei praises Pakistan, hails resilience of Iranians in Nowruz message

TEHRAN: Iran Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued a written message on the eve of Nowruz, the Persian New Year, praising the Iranian public’s resilience amid three military and security crises over the past year and highlighting national unity as a source of strength against the country’s enemies.

The message, the most substantive public communication since his appointment on March 9 following the death of his father, was delivered as a written statement rather than a video or public appearance, leaving questions about his health unresolved.

“In the past year, our dear people experienced three military and security wars. You crushed the coup on 22 Dey, on 22 Bahman you showed once again your opposition to global arrogance and your tirelessness, and on 22 Esfand, which coincided with Quds Day, you struck such a blow that the enemy understood it is not only dealing with missiles, drones, torpedoes and military matters,” Khamenei wrote.

He emphasised that unity among Iranians across religious, intellectual, cultural, and political differences had “created a fracture in the enemy” and urged citizens to preserve and build upon that cohesion as a “special blessing from God Almighty.”

Mojtaba Khamenei highlighted strong ties with Pakistan and other neighbouring countries while pledging economic resilience for the year ahead.

“The new year will be a year of a strong economy,” Khamenei said, adding that Iran “firmly believes in strengthening relations with neighbouring countries.”

Khamenei also praised Pakistan as a “great country” and said Tehran shares close relations with its eastern neighbour. He noted that his predecessor, the late Supreme Leader, “loved Pakistan very much,” citing an example when the martyred leader prayed for Pakistan during Friday prayers as the country faced devastating floods.

“Our affection for Pakistan is not hidden,” Khamenei said. “I hold the same feelings for Pakistan as our martyred leader did. I do not hesitate to express my love for Pakistan and convey it at various gatherings.”

Addressing regional security issues, the Supreme Leader stressed that Iran did not carry out attacks in Turkey or Oman. He accused Israel of using false-flag tactics to create divisions among its neighbours and warned that “such tactics could also occur in other countries.”

The message underscores Tehran’s intent to maintain close diplomatic, cultural, and strategic ties with Pakistan and other neighbours while signalling caution about regional tensions.

The address comes as the war with US-Israel enters its 21st day.

 Israeli strikes overnight reportedly killed an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesman, while Iran’s South Pars gas output has been halved. The Trump administration is reportedly considering plans to seize Kharg Island. In response, Iran has carried out retaliatory strikes on Gulf energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

Analysts say the Nowruz message signals the new leader’s intent to emphasise domestic unity and resilience as a cornerstone of Iran’s strategy in the ongoing regional conflict.