Leader: Muslims Should Help Block US Mideast Plan

EghtesadOnline: Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has called on Muslims across the world to oppose the so-called US peace plan for the Middle East, describing it as a "ruse" that is "doomed to fail".

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11 August 2019

"The ploy called the 'deal of the century' prepared by the oppressive US and its treasonous cohorts is a crime against human society, and not just the Palestinian nation," the Leader said in a message to Muslims participating in the hajj pilgrimage, which was published by his website on Saturday.

He also called for the "active participation" of Muslims in efforts meant to block the plan, according to an English version of his remarks, Financial Tribune reported.

The White House has yet to unveil US President Donald Trump's full peace plan dubbed the "deal of the century", which aims to end the conflict between Israel and Palestinians, and is led by Trump's advisor and son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

Kushner has so far presented a $50-billion economic revival plan for the Palestinian territories, Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon, as well as the Palestinians, reaching a political settlement to their decades-old conflict, Reuters reported.

The Palestinian leadership has broken off diplomatic ties with the White House, accusing Trump's administration of bias toward Israel. Washington has not said when it will present the full plan.

'Doomed to Fail'

Referring to the resistance put up by anti-US and anti-Israel forces in the region against American and Israeli policies, the Leader said, "We consider this and every other ruse by the arrogant front doomed to fail [in the face of] the efforts and faith of the resistance front."

Ayatollah Khamenei called the Palestinian issue the "most important issue" facing the Islamic community, adding that the people of Palestine will emerge victorious in this confrontation.

"This nation has not surrendered … and today, they are on the battlefields more enthusiastic and braver than yesterday. But the ultimate outcome requires the assistance of all Muslims."

This year's hajj pilgrimage comes amid regional wars and heightened tensions, as Iran faces US and Saudi hostile moves in the Persian Gulf.

More than two million Muslims, who had descended on the holy city of Mecca, began the annual hajj on Friday.

Ayatollah Khamenei called the pilgrimage a great opportunity for Muslims to exchange their knowledge and experiences, remove barriers of misunderstanding and express condemnation of the "warmongering" policies of their common enemies, including the self-styled Islamic State terrorist group.