Media outlets yesterday circulated a message attributed to Mojtaba Khamenei, without him appearing on television, days after he was appointed as Iran’s new Supreme Leader.
First and foremost, it remains unclear whether Mojtaba Khamenei — the son of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei — is alive and capable of making a public television appearance, or whether the situation reflects the growing dominance of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard over the country’s political landscape in the post-Ali Khamenei era.
The message also raises questions about the role of Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, within this rapidly shifting political scene.
Anyone reading the message will detect a number of conflicting signals.
The tone resembles a declaration of revenge and retaliation, lacking the wisdom and intellectual maturity expected from a figure chosen to represent his country, especially when he is unable to appear before the world in person, or on television.
Under such circumstances, political observers cannot responsibly analyse the character of a man who has yet to present himself publicly.
Unfortunately, those currently in power in Iran – or those poised to inherit it – appear to observers outside the country as if they are detached from reality.
The war involving the United States and Israel against Iran is not a mere military excursion; it would result in the complete destruction of Iran.
Although the message attempts to portray its author as resolute and unyielding, it also reflects a historic miscalculation – a lack of rationality in managing the conflict.
They are attempting to drag the Arab Gulf states into confrontation even though these countries have consistently adopted a disciplined and restrained approach in responding to Iranian attacks.
The message repeats misleading claims about Tehran targeting US bases in the region, despite the fact that most of the recent reckless attacks have been directed at civilians and vital facilities unrelated to the United States or its interests in the region.
It comes only days after remarks by the Iranian president that appeared to include a form of apology to neighbouring countries.
The contrast between these two messages clearly reveals the contradictions and inconsistencies in Iran’s official positions – an indication of the confusion prevailing within the country.
As Tehran installs a new Supreme Leader, it still appears far from adopting a sound approach to managing its foreign relations.
Instead of benefiting from the possible mediation of its neighbours to help halt the war, it is attempting – due to its limited political thinking – to drag the region into further escalation and the tragedies of a war in which Iran itself would ultimately suffer the greatest losses.
Today, Mojtaba Khamenei is seeking to mobilise Iran’s regional proxies in Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq to join the conflict and widen its scope.
This, in itself, reflects weakness inside Iran, as Tehran has in the past typically activated its proxies quietly, whereas today it is openly urging them to enter the war.
As the conflict continues, Bahrain – despite its small geographic size – has shown, through the steadfastness of its people, a profound sense of national responsibility.
This collective resilience has helped preserve the Kingdom’s security and stability amid the mounting challenges facing the region.
Bahraini patriotism remains the ultimate source of strength in confronting crises.
Recent events have once again proven the unity of the people: an Iranian missile or drone does not distinguish between the residents of Sitra, Manama, or Muharraq.
The recent widespread public grief and anger over the passing of a young martyr stands as clear evidence that Bahrain, united, will remain resilient in the face of crises and challenges.
Yesterday we also witnessed a diplomatic success for the Gulf states through a United Nations Security Council resolution condemning Iranian aggression.
The decision came despite efforts by Iranian diplomacy to obstruct it.
However, the realities that emerged over recent days convinced both Russia and China not to exercise their veto against the Gulf-backed resolution.
Today, Iran wants the world to believe its narrative.
Yet, the facts demonstrate that civilians and vital infrastructure were targeted – an explicit violation of the humanitarian principles that the international community has upheld for decades.
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