Islamic Republic's strategic depth is one of Iran's element of power
One element of power is our defensive capability: defense at a distance. Another element of power is our strategic depth. Presence in regional countries and support for the people of the region is the strategic depth of the Islamic Republic: the Islamic Republic cannot give this up. No wise government will give this up. Another element of power is the social investment of the people: the people's unity, their gathering under the flag of Islam, and the movement of the Islamic Republic with the sentiment and honor of being Islamic and Muslim. These are qualities that form the basis and backbone of the Islamic Republic, which are a source of strength. Everyone should understand that no one will abandon these qualities!
Friends and foes acknowledge that the Islamic Republic is a powerful country in the region
One of the things that we hear a lot is that our opponents and enemies speak about two premises and some people inside the country repeat them. These two premises are contradictory to each other, but this contradiction is ignored. One premise that they repeatedly point out is that our country is a strong and influential country. Today, we hear this a lot in the world. Now some people - some weak and narrow-minded people inside the country - are not even willing to accept this. But those who pursue matters outside the country - whether our friends or our enemies - repeatedly mention and acknowledge that today, the Islamic Republic is a powerful country in the region, one that influences regional events. This is one premise.
The second premise is that they say that we should not keep speaking about the Revolution and the revolutionary spirit. Well, these two premises contradict each other because this power and influence originate from the Revolution. If it were not for the Revolution, the revolutionary spirit and revolutionary actions, this influence would not exist.
When they say, "Now that you are influential and powerful, you should abandon the Revolution so that we can live together"- this means that we should abandon the Revolution. And when we do so, we will become weak and they will be able to swallow us. They say this openly to some of the officials of the Islamic Republic, but there is no attention to its real meaning and significance.
They say, "Until when do you want to remain revolutionaries and speak about the Revolution? Instead of this, you should join the global community." This means that we should abandon the influence, power, and strategic depth that we have in the region and among regional nations so much so that we become weak and they can swallow us. They say that we should join the global community. Well, by the global community, they mean a few arrogant, bullying and oppressive powers. They mean that we should get dissolved in their plans. This is what they mean. So, the Revolution enjoys such dimensions. There are many things to say about guarding the Revolution, but I do not want to speak more about it.
By Allah's favor, all enemies will be defeated in the face of the Iranian nation
In the present time, we are a country which has the most enemies among arrogant governments and among some useless powers and we have the most supporters among the masses of people in many countries. I am not saying in all countries, but in many countries. No other country is as reputable as the Islamic Republic in many countries whether neighboring or non-neighboring countries. They might be interested in and attracted to such and such a scientifically advanced country, but they do not love them at all. However, the Islamic Republic enjoys this status. And that is why it has malicious and decisive enemies, but by Allah's favor, all these enemies will be defeated in the face of the Iranian nation and the Islamic Republic and they will not be able to do anything.
Iran's influence in the region is an undeniable fact
The liberal and freedom-seeking west did not say anything against the Saudi crimes. The Security Council of the United Nations issued a resolution that is one of the most embarrassing and disgraceful resolutions issued by the United Nations. This resolution will not be forgotten. Instead of condemning the bomber, they condemn the bombarded. These are liberals. Liberalism means this. Now a number of simple-minded individuals inside our country puff up their chest, write articles and publish their photos in support of this governmental system and this method of managing society, but what they say is based on lies, deception, treachery and indifference towards - and in certain cases, participation in - oppression.
Well, this is a reality. One of the realities is this: the increasing influence of the Islamic Republic. I have always said to our honorable presidents - both the current honorable president and former presidents- I respect all of them, I have helped all of them and I will support any president that holds office based on the people's votes - that whenever you travel to any Islamic country in the present time, the people of that country will give you a very warm reception, one that they have never given to the rulers of their own country. They will do so if they have freedom and if you are willing to go and meet them. This is the very meaning of influence. Influence means this.
They have been striking Yemen in order to defy this influence. They say that they are bombing Yemen because we have influence in Yemen. Well, what have we done in Yemen? Have we taken any weapons to Yemen? Have we sent our army to that country? It is they who choose mercenaries from other countries, who give them oil revenues, dress them in Saudi uniforms and deliver them to Ansarullah's slashing [audience laughs]. It is they who are interfering in the affairs of Yemen. Why should we interfere in the affairs of Yemen?
Well, this influence is given to us by God. Can we do anything about this? For example, when our magnanimous Imam (r.a.) used to speak in this place, they would spread his words all over Africa or Asia and his opinions exerted such influence that such as such a person living in a remote country in Africa would name his son, "Ruhollah". Influence means this. This is done without using one piece of paper to achieve the purpose. Well, when one's opinions influence others, when they are correct and when they attract hearts because they are sincere, then nothing can be done to change this. "Say, Die in your rage'" [The Holy Quran, 3: 119]. The late Shahid Beheshti was quoted as saying, "Well, you who cannot have this, should die of rage." What can we do about this? This is a reality. This is one of the realities of the Islamic Republic. You should pay attention to such realities. You should not always adopt a pessimistic outlook.
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