Iran's top leader urges Muslim world to stand against U.S. decision on Jerusalem

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday urged Muslim world to stand against the U.S. "plot" to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. 

A handout photo provided by the office of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on December 6, 2017 shows him (R) waving next to President Hassan Rouhani (L) during a meeting with the Iranian government in the capital Tehran. [Photo: VCG / HO / KHAMENEI.IR]

"Palestine today tops the political issues facing the Islamic Ummah (people) and everyone is duty-bound to make endeavors towards its freedom and salvage," Khamenei was quoted by Press TV as saying.

Khamenei made the remarks in an address to state officials, ambassadors of Muslim countries and participants of the 31st International Islamic Unity Conference held in Tehran.

The enemies' plan to recognize Jerusalem as the "capital" of the Israeli stems from their "incompetence and despair," the top Iranian leader said.

A handout photo provided by the office of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on December 6, 2017 shows him speaking during a meeting with Iranian government in the capital Tehran. [Photo: VCG / HO / KHAMENEI.IR]

"The Muslim world would undoubtedly stand against this conspiracy, and the Zionists (Israelis) will be dealt a heavy blow with this move. Dear Palestine will at last be liberated without doubt," he added.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday his recognition of Jerusalem as the capital city of Israel, and instructed the State Department to begin the process of moving the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

"I am determined that it is time to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel," said Trump, adding he has judged that "this cause of action to be in the best interests of the United States of America and the pursuit of peace between Israel and the Palestinians."

"This is a long overdue step to advance the peace process and to work towards a lasting agreement," Trump argued, saying his announcement is just a "recognition of reality."

In the meantime, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday that the relocation of the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is illegal and would further destabilize Palestine and the Middle East region.

During a phone conversation with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Rouhani called on Islamic states to join hands in opposing the "dangerous" move by the Trump administration.

"We believe, given the current conditions, all Islamic nations must become united and take a serious step in countering this wrong, illegal, provocative and gravely dangerous move by the U.S.," Rouhani said.

He added that Israel is "responsible for all the insecurity and instability" in the region.