Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says terrorist attacks in Muslim countries like Iran, Iraq and Pakistan are carried out by foreign agents.

"Bloody measures in some Muslim countries such as Iraq and Pakistan and certain parts of Iran are aimed at creating discord and difference among Shia and Sunni Muslims," said Ayatollah Khamenei in a meeting with Iranian officials in charge of organizing Hajj ceremonies on Monday.

Ayatollah Khamenei urged Muslims to be vigilant in the face of the plots of the enemies of Islam, saying, "Hajj pilgrims should not remain indifferent toward what is happening today in the Islamic world, particularly in Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine, and parts of Pakistan.

"This is why Muslims should pay great attention to the issue of their unity," added Ayatollah Khamenei.

"Perpetrators of terrorist and bloody moves are directly or indirectly linked to foreign agents," Ayatollah Khamenei said.

"Ayatollah Khamenei's remarks came after at least 41 people, including seven senior commanders of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), were killed in a bombing on October 18 during a unity gathering of Shia and Sunni tribal leaders in the town of Pishin on the Iran-Pakistan border.

Besides, Ayatollah Khamenei added that Hajj should be the epitome of the determination of the Islamic ummah against all forces that are trying to foment discord and disunity in the Muslim world," "During the hajj ritual, Muslims should be vigilant toward and aware of the acts of those ill-wishers seeking to tear down the high fluttering banner of Islam," .
Ayatollah Khamenei described the hajj as an ideal opportunity for a pilgrim to improve his/her spirituality and humility before Almighty God.

Emphasizing the significance of Islamic unity under the current circumstances, Ayatollah Khamenei said, "The bloody (terrorist) actions that are taking place in Iraq, Pakistan, and other Islamic countries are targeting the unity of Shia and Sunni Muslims."

During the hajj, Iranian pilgrims should familiarize other Muslim pilgrims with their deep culture, with its roots in the tenets of Islam, the Leader said.

Ayatollah Khamenei also advised the Iranian pilgrims to actively participate in congregational prayers and the ceremony for the disavowal of infidels.

Commenting on the desecration of Shia holy sites in Mecca and Medina, the Leader said, "Such immoral deeds, which have targeted the unity of Muslims, only serve the interests of the United States and the enemies of Islam."

Ayatollah Khamenei also urged Saudi Arabian officials to seriously address the issue.