Iran's Supreme Leader Appeals for Unity Amid Escalating Economic Crisis and Petrol Shortages

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has appealed for national unity after warning officials against exposing the nation's vulnerabilities, as mounting economic pressures and a worsening petrol crisis spark fears of fresh unrest. In a written message released on Sunday, Mr Khamenei urged officials to concentrate on boosting production, gradually reducing the dollar's prominent role, and implementing resistance economy policies.

Mr Khamenei has remained out of the public eye since sustaining injuries in the US-Israeli air strikes six months ago that initiated the conflict and killed his father, the former supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His continued absence has fueled speculation regarding his health and the actual decision-makers in Tehran, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps playing an increasingly central role.

Addressing public morale, Mr Khamenei cautioned against highlighting flaws openly. He stated that weaknesses and deficiencies require planning and action rather than narration, warning that discussing such issues openly when adversaries need encouragement only aids Iran's enemies and causes anxiety among supporters.

The message arrives as Iran grapples with severe economic strains and renewed anxiety over potential protests. Long queues materialized at petrol stations throughout Tehran this week, with some facilities closing or depleting their supplies despite record fuel distribution in the capital. The surge in demand stemmed from panic-buying fueled by fears of price hikes and restricted supplies. While the government stated that subsidized fuel prices will remain steady for now, officials hinted that structural reforms and higher non-subsidised rates are under consideration.

Public frustration over the collapsing rial, soaring prices, and living costs previously triggered deadly demonstrations in December and January. Meanwhile, petrol shortages and long queues have intensified public anxiety over essential services. Mr Khamenei emphasized the importance of preserving social cohesion, declaring any actions that undermine it to be prohibited.

He also dismissed the concept of an imaginary dualism between war and negotiations, addressing internal divisions in Tehran over how to address Washington. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has defended negotiations to protect national interests, whereas hardliners argue that such an approach undermines the revolutionary system.

These developments unfold as the United States intensifies efforts to isolate Iran's economy. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is anticipated to urge G20 nations this week to sever financial and commercial ties with Tehran, cautioning that continued business could risk access to the dollar-based financial system. President Donald Trump's administration launched Operation Economic Outcast to compel Tehran back to negotiations and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

With Iran's oil exports reportedly dropping to zero, the rial hitting record lows, and inflation exceeding 80 percent, Mr Khamenei's push to diminish the dollar's role serves as a direct response to US sanctions and economic pressures. He advocated for increased reliance on domestic technology and capacity to withstand wartime disruptions and sanctions.

Furthermore, Mr Khamenei commended President Masoz Pezeshkian's administration for sustaining essential supplies, repairing infrastructure, and managing energy resources. Mr Pezeshkian has acknowledged existing hardships while defending economic stabilization efforts, previously suggesting that Iran should seek to end the conflict from a position of strength and dignity. In his Sunday message, Mr Khamenei also called upon Gulf rulers to identify and confront their true enemy.