Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has ordered government officials to stop publicly highlighting the country’s weaknesses and instead emphasise Iran’s “power and strength”, signalling growing tensions within the leadership in Tehran.
In a message broadcast by Iranian state media on Friday, Khamenei said officials should focus on solving economic problems rather than publicly discussing them. He warned that openly acknowledging weaknesses could damage national morale and encourage Iran’s adversaries.
The directive comes as Iran faces mounting economic pressure, including inflation, unemployment, fuel shortages and a sharply weakened currency. Long queues at petrol stations in Tehran have further highlighted the strain on the economy. The United States has also imposed additional sanctions aimed at increasing pressure on Tehran.
President Masoud Pezeshkian responded by pledging to maintain “complete unity and cohesion” among government institutions. However, disagreements over negotiations with Washington and the role of powerful security institutions have exposed divisions within Iran’s leadership.
Khamenei’s continued absence from public view has added further uncertainty over Iran’s leadership and decision-making.
