Government Urges Against Inviting Foreign Influence Following Senior Cleric’s Critique of Iran

The Maldivian government has warned all parties against directly or indirectly inviting foreign influence, reaffirming its commitment to national sovereignty and the independent management of the country’s territorial waters and airspace.

The government’s statement comes in the wake of sharp public remarks by the Imam of the Islamic Centre, Sheikh Mohamed Latheef, who holds ministerial rank.

 In a lengthy social media post published on X, Sheikh Latheef launched a stinging attack on Tehran, accusing Iran of seeking total regional hegemony and aiming to bring Islam’s holiest sites under its control.

“Iran wants to exert control over the Two Holy Mosques and the sacred sites of Muslims, bringing them under their dominion,” Sheikh Latheef wrote, alleging that Tehran seeks both direct and indirect domination over the wider Gulf region.

Expanding on his critique, the senior cleric pointed to Iranian influence across Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen, citing the Houthis as a key proxy in Tehran’s broader strategy. He argued that public statements by Iranian-aligned figures regarding control over the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea signaled an intention to advance towards Saudi Arabia’s holy cities.

Sheikh Latheef also addressed theological divisions, sharply criticising Shia doctrine and warning Sunni Muslims against sympathising with Iranian policy, citing historical sectarian grievances and opposition to early Islamic Caliphs.

In response to the growing discourse, state authorities underscored that safeguarding Maldivian sovereignty and international maritime trade routes within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) remains the sole constitutional duty of the state. 

Official policy strictly prohibits transferring military or surveillance oversight to external entities, with the government explicitly cautioning against actions or statements that could invite foreign interference into domestic or regional affairs.