TEHRAN, April 26 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday called on the world Muslims to withstand what he called the "bullying" policies of the United States.

"For about 40 years (since the establishment of the Islamic republic in 1979), the Iranian nation has resisted bullying attempts by arrogant powers thanks to the teachings of holy Qur'an," Khamenei's remarks were broadcast from Iranian state IRIB TV.

He urged for "solidarity" and "connection" among the world Muslims and asked them to refrain from making friends with the "pagans" like Israel.

Khamenei said that "today calamities in Yemen, Afghanistan and Syria are the outcome of Muslims' inaction vis-a-vis teachings of holy Qur'an."

Khamenei made the remarks at a meeting with competitors of the 35th edition of International Holy Quran Contest in Tehran on Thursday.