‘Unity Has Become Steel-Like’: Mojtaba Khamenei Fires Back at Trump’s Claim of Iranian Leadership Rift
Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a sharp response Thursday to President Donald Trump’s assertions of deepening divisions within the Islamic Republic’s leadership, declaring that external pressure has only forged greater national cohesion. “Due to the strange unity created among compatriots, a fracture has occurred in the enemy,” Khamenei wrote in a post on X. He went on to describe Iran’s internal solidarity as “even more steel-like” in the face of perceived threats, adding that “the enemies will become more wretched and diminished.” Warning against what he called enemy media operations designed to “target the minds and psyches of the people,” Khamenei urged vigilance, saying, “may our negligence not allow this sinister intent to come to fruition.”
The exchange was triggered by Trump’s earlier remarks on Truth Social, where he painted a picture of chaotic infighting between Iranian “Hardliners” and “Moderates.” Trump claimed the hardliners have been “losing BADLY on the battlefield” while moderates, though “not very moderate at all,” are “gaining respect.” Khamenei’s counter-narrative sought to project an image of unbreakable unity just as international scrutiny intensifies. Meanwhile, in a related development, Guyana formally denied any connection to a tanker seized by the U.S. for allegedly carrying sanctioned Iranian crude oil. Guyana’s Maritime Administration Department declared that the vessel—formerly known as the sanctioned Phonix—was “FRAUDULENTLY” flying its flag, stating unequivocally, “This ship is NOT registered in Guyana; thus, the registration is false and fraudulent.” The twin announcements underscore rising geopolitical tensions as the U.S. continues to tighten enforcement of Iranian sanctions while Iran’s leadership works to project internal stability.
