Imam Khamenei: Mideast Wars Totally Political

Local Editor

Leader of the Islamic Revolution His Eminence Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei said the ongoing wars in the Middle East are "totally rooted in political motivations."

Imam Khamenei on Thursday called on clerics to thwart "the American and Zionist plot to create divisions" and avoid touching on divisive issues among Shia and Sunni Muslims.

"The enemies of Islam are trying to turn these differences into a religious strife so that they don't end easily. We must not contribute to this dangerous goal," Imam Khamenei said as he hosted members of the Assembly of Experts in Tehran.

He further warned against enemy plots to infiltrate the country, saying Iranian officials as well as people are the main targets of such a plot.

The Imam also noted that the enemy is attempting to sway Iranian officials in their decision-makings in its own favor.

"By doing so, the enemy would no longer need to directly interfere in Iran as it will take control of things in its hands indirectly."

Although the Imam does not approve of severing ties with the West, he called on Iranian officials to remain vigilant in their interactions as Iran has been already hurt by the policies of Western countries.

"We have been harmed by the West and we should not forget what the West has done to us. I am not in favor of cutting ties with the West, but we should know with whom we are interacting."

Elsewhere in his remarks, Imam Khamenei once again praised the high turnout in February 26 parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections, saying the Iranians demonstrated their allegiance to the Islamic establishment by voting en masse.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team