Sheikh Latheef has said that Iran’s aim is to exert influence over the Two Holy Mosques and other sacred Islamic sites and bring them under its control.

In a post on X yesterday, Sheikh Latheef said that Iran’s expansion of influence began in Iraq, and that it went on to take control of Syria and Lebanon. He said that after the killing of Yemen’s former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, Iran tightened its grip on Yemen, harming Sunni Muslims there and laying waste to towns. He also wrote that Iran’s goal is to extend its power, directly and indirectly, across the entire Gulf region.

Referring to Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, Sheikh Latheef said his supporters describe him as the master of the Arabian Peninsula, the Bab al-Mandab and the Red Sea, which he said indicates the Houthis intend to use him to move against the Two Holy Mosques. Because this is being said openly through various media outlets and TV channels, it is not something hidden, he said, adding: “Their real target is not Yemen, but Makkah and Madinah.”

Sheikh Latheef urged people to examine the beliefs and history of Shia groups before speaking in their defence. He also stressed the need to look into the basis of the slogans used to win the sympathy of Sunni Muslims. He said that Shia books contain material declaring Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and many other Companions of the Prophet to be disbelievers, as well as accusations against Aisha, the Mother of the Believers, may Allah be pleased with her.

Sheikh Latheef is the Chief Imam of the Islamic Centre under the current government, a post to which he was appointed at the level of a minister.