40th Intl. Islamic Unity Conference kicks off in Tehran

40th International Islamic Unity Conference

The opening of the 40th International Islamic Unity Conference in Tehran marks a significant annual event for Iran to gather religious and political figures from across the Islamic world. This year's theme, "Islamic Unity in the Thought of the Martyred Imam, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei," explicitly links the conference's objectives to the ideological foundations of the Islamic Revolution. The presence of President Masoud Pezeshkian and nearly 600 domestic and foreign guests, including representatives from Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey, Lebanon, Afghanistan, and Persian Gulf countries, highlights Iran's continued diplomatic outreach within the Islamic sphere.

The conference serves as a crucial platform for Iran to articulate its foreign policy perspectives, particularly concerning regional security and resistance against perceived external threats. By hosting such a large-scale event, Tehran aims to reinforce its position as a leader in promoting Islamic solidarity and to counter narratives that portray it as isolated. The discussions likely focus on shared challenges and strategies for Muslim nations to achieve greater independence and collective strength.

Hojjatoleslam Hamid Shahriari

As Secretary General of the World Forum for Proximity of Schools of Thoughts, Hojjatoleslam Hamid Shahriari delivered a keynote address that set a confrontational tone for the conference. He directly accused the "terrorist US government and criminal Israeli regime" of waging war against Iran, framing recent events as a six-month conflict driven by "Global Arrogance's" fear of a strengthening Iran. Shahriari's remarks underscored a narrative of Iran as a powerful rival and a model for oppressed Islamic countries.

Shahriari further elaborated on the perceived US hostility, citing opposition to Iran's nuclear energy, missile power, advanced infrastructure, and strong leadership as evidence of a desire to weaken the nation. His assertion that American policies have failed over the past four decades, leading to Iran becoming the "first power of the region," reflects a strong sense of national pride and defiance. He emphasized Iran's scientific and military achievements, including strategic drones and the destruction of US bases, as lessons in resistance for freedom seekers globally.

Minab School Attack

A particularly poignant point in Shahriari's speech was his reference to the alleged US attack on Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab, Hormozgan province, on February 28. He claimed this incident resulted in the martyrdom of over 168 schoolchildren and teachers, directly questioning the US about the benefit derived from such an act and criticizing Western media for their silence. This specific accusation serves to highlight perceived atrocities committed by the US and to galvanize anti-American sentiment among the attendees.

The mention of the Minab incident is a powerful rhetorical tool, aiming to portray the US as a ruthless aggressor and to underscore the human cost of what Iran describes as an imposed war. By drawing attention to the alleged targeting of innocent civilians, Shahriari sought to reinforce the narrative of Iran as a victim of unjust aggression while simultaneously showcasing its resilience and determination to resist. This narrative is central to Iran's strategy of mobilizing support both domestically and internationally within the Islamic world.