Sheikh Mohamed Latheef, the Imam of the Islamic Centre, has criticised Iran on social media.
In a post on X today, Latheef—who holds a ministerial-level appointment as the Imam of the Islamic Centre—asserted that Iran’s ultimate objective is to seize control of the two Holy Mosques.
"Iran seeks to exert influence over the two Holy Mosques and the sacred sites of Muslims, bringing them under their dominion," Latheef stated. "Iran intends to dominate the entire Gulf region and project its power, both directly and indirectly."
Latheef further alleged that Iran has taken control of Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, where he claimed it is systematically killing Sunni Muslims. He argued that Iran’s true target is not Yemen, but rather the conquest of Mecca and Medina.
"This is no longer a hidden agenda. They are openly declaring that Yemen is not their true target; instead, their objective is Mecca and Medina," said Latheef, who received his higher education in Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, Latheef directed harsh criticism toward the Shia community, characterising them as a group operating under the guise of Islam while working to undermine the faith.
"No one who knows their true nature can deny that from their inception to the present day, they have caused more damage to Islam while posing as Muslims than any other group. Their malice is evident in their practice of declaring the companions Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman as disbelievers—except a few—and their slanderous accusations against the Mother of the Believers, Aisha (RA)," he said.
Sheikh Latheef’s strong condemnation of Iran comes after a period of diplomatic friction between the two nations. During President Abdulla Yameen’s administration in May 2016, the Maldives severed diplomatic ties with Iran, reportedly under pressure from Saudi Arabia.
The Maldives officially restored diplomatic relations with Iran in September 2023, seven years after the break.
