Iran Declares ‘Week of National Unity’ Amid Rising Regional Tensions

Tehran, March 2026 : Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref has announced that the government will observe the coming week as the “Week of National Unity and Solidarity for Iran,” a move aimed at strengthening public cohesion during a period of heightened regional tensions.

According to Iran’s official news agency Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Aref said the decision was taken on behalf of the administration and was inspired by the first public message of Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. In his message released earlier in the day, the leader emphasised the importance of unity among the Iranian people as the country faces complex security and geopolitical challenges.

Aref stated that the call for national solidarity reflects the leadership’s belief that the collective participation of citizens plays a crucial role in safeguarding the country’s strength and stability. Quoting the Supreme Leader’s message, he said the “effective presence of the people on the scene and maintaining national unity” remain the most vital pillars supporting Iran’s power and national security.

The announcement comes against the backdrop of rising tensions in the region, particularly surrounding the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route through which a significant share of the world’s oil supplies passes.

Speaking to reporters, Iran’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, stressed that Tehran considers it its “inherent right” to safeguard peace and security in the Strait. He reiterated that Iran respects international maritime laws, including the principle of freedom of navigation.

“Iran fully respects and remains committed to the principle of freedom of navigation under the law of the sea,” Iravani said, while adding that the current tensions in the region were not the result of Iran exercising its right to self-defence.

Instead, he accused the United States of destabilising the region through what he described as aggressive actions against Iran that have undermined regional security.

In a separate statement on Thursday, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei asserted that the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz should remain a strategic tool for the country. He said the “lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must definitely continue to be used,” signalling Tehran’s willingness to maintain pressure amid the ongoing crisis.

The tensions intensified following a major escalation on February 28, when Israel and the United States carried out joint strikes on Tehran and several other Iranian cities. The attacks reportedly killed Iran’s then Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and civilians.

Iran responded by launching multiple waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli positions and US bases and assets across the Middle East, marking one of the most serious confrontations in the region in recent years.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)