In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
All praise is due to God, Lord of the Worlds, and may peace and greetings be upon our Master, Abul-Qasim al-Mustafa Muhammad, and upon his untainted, pure, chosen Progeny, particularly the Remnant of God on earth.
It’s been a very good meeting. The statements of our dear youth have led me to the conclusion that the level of thought, analysis, and understanding among the university student body is on the rise. That is, this year I heard discussions that are at a higher level than what I had heard in previous years, like last year. This in itself is a hopeful, promising matter. What this signifies is that the country’s youth and university student community are moving forward and making progress. At times we may be in motion without fully realizing it, but motion is indeed taking place. This is the case now. Fortunately, the prevailing mindset within the student university community is one that is moving toward becoming more mature and able to see the bigger picture.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that I agree with everything that’s been said here. I may disagree with some of the points made. For example, one of the brothers said that those who are in positions of authority, such as security or military elements and others, don’t fulfill their duties in critical situations, for instance, against the Zionist regime. They just write statements instead! That isn’t correct. No, those who needed to take action did carry out their responsibilities at the appropriate time.
If what you expect to happen doesn’t happen, follow up on it and research the matter — of course, it may not be possible to research matters in some cases, because many of these matters are confidential — you’ll see that what was done was justified. That is, the action taken or the action that wasn’t taken was completely justified.
Regarding the youth, it was said that I’ve lost faith in the younger generation. No, my hope rests entirely on you, the youth. I believe in relying on the youth, but there are many conditions that must be considered. I may touch on this in my talk today. The main condition is that you must be steadfast in the stances you take and show perseverance. It shouldn’t be like this that you make an analysis, make a judgment that is revolutionary, correct, and acceptable, and then because of a minor obstacle or doubt you abandon that foundation and turn into someone indifferent. Be careful to preserve this spirit, this sentiment, this enthusiasm, and your analysis.
I also earnestly request the respected officials of the Ministry of Science and the Ministry of Health to give serious consideration to the talks given here. They should even take the writings of these brothers and sisters that contained complaints, read them, examine them carefully, and take the necessary actions. Some of their complaints are completely warranted. Of course, with regard to the matters that concern us, we too will certainly ensure that the necessary measures are taken.
I have organized my talk today into three sections. First, I will speak briefly about the month of Ramadan and fasting. Next, there will be a discussion regarding student-related matters, which concern you. Finally, I will briefly share a few words with you about the current political affairs that people are talking about.
Of course, I should mention that from the time this meeting took place last year until now, numerous events have unfolded. Last year, we were in a different situation. This time last year, when we had a similar meeting with you students, Martyr Raisi was alive, Martyr Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah (may God be pleased with him) was with us, Martyr Haniyeh, Martyr Safieddine, Martyr Sinwar, Martyr Deif, and several other great, eminent, revolutionary figures were either present among us or by our side. They aren’t here this year.
The flawed, baseless, superficial outlook of the enemies, opponents, and rivals of the Islamic Republic leads to a wrong interpretation of these events. In direct contrast to their claims, I want to assure you about something with complete certainty. Yes, these brothers were extremely valuable, and their absence is truly a loss for us. There is no doubt about that. But this year without them in comparison to last year on a day like today, we are stronger in some areas than we were last year. In certain areas, we aren’t weaker if we aren’t stronger than we were before.
This year, praise God, we have strengths and capabilities from various perspectives and in different aspects that we didn’t have last year. So yes, the absence of these beloved individuals is a loss; the events that took place in the West Asia region were bitter, painful events; however, praise God, the Islamic Republic continues to grow, progress, and increase its strength.
In the third year of the Hijra, the Holy Prophet (pbuh) suffered the loss of someone like Hamza. During the Battle of Uhud, Hamza left from being by the Prophet’s side. And it wasn't just Hamza. He was the most prominent [loss], but several other brave companions [of the Prophet] were also martyred. This was from the third year of the Hijra. In the fourth and fifth years of the Hijra, the Prophet was far stronger than in the third year.
In other words, the loss of prominent figures doesn’t in any way signify a regression, setback, or weakening if there are two factors — one being "ideals" and the second being "effort." If these two factors are present in a nation, the presence or absence of great personages is a loss but it isn’t a major blow to the overall movement.
As for our discussion regarding the month of Ramadan, Almighty God has said, "O you who have faith! Prescribed for you is fasting as it was prescribed for those who were before you, so that you may attain taqwa [piety]" (Quran 2:183). The goal of fasting according to this verse is to gain taqwa. What is taqwa? Taqwa is derived from the root word waqayah, which means "protection." Taqwa is a means of protection. It’s a means for safety. It’s an element that provides safety. That’s taqwa. Taqwa keeps a person safe. From what? From evils, temptations, negative thoughts, ill intentions, treachery, immorality, indulgence in desires, neglecting responsibilities, and abandoning obligatory actions. That’s what taqwa is. This is very important.
Fasting shows you an example, a small sample of this state. You’re hungry and there’s food, you’re thirsty and there’s water, but you don’t eat and drink. You restrain yourself. This is taqwa [piety], but limited to just a few hours during the day and to a few limited matters. This state should become a part of my life and yours. We need to have piety.
Throughout the Quran, it speaks of the effects of piety in many places. However, I’ll just mention two of these effects here. First, it says, "And whoever is careful of his duty toward Allah, He shall make a way out for him [of adversities] and provide for him from whence he does not count upon" (65:2-3). When piety is gained, it brings relief — a "worldly relief." Taqwa brings relief in this world. That is, it has an impact on the economic situation; it has an impact on security. This is how piety is. If a society is pious, "He shall make a way out for him," this piety brings [that society] relief.
Second, the Quran says, [it’s] "a guidance for those who are pious" (2:2). The Quran is a guidance for those who possess piety, a "divine guidance." Divine guidance isn’t a trivial matter. It’s the most important thing. Don't we want salvation, prosperity, and happiness? So, there is a goal that we’re aiming to reach, and we need guidance and support to get there. That comes from God. God gives support. When? When we are pious. So consider fasting to be a means to strengthen piety within yourself as this is fundamental. Today, both of these blessings — relief and guidance — hold practical significance for us. We need both relief and divine guidance.
So, how can we gain piety? There have been discussions on this topic, and some solutions have been suggested. What I want to say in one sentence is this that taqwa is in our own hands. It requires our determination and willpower. We must have willpower. Imam [Khomeini (ra)] speaks of this in one of his books on ethics — perhaps it’s in Forty Hadith or The Secrets of Prayer. He repeats this in several places, addressing the reader who wishes to advance on the path of monotheism and travel on this path. He says, "Make a firm, resolute decision" (Forty Hadith, 10). Piety is gained through your decision, adherence, and vigilance. A young person who restrains themselves in a tempting but haram [Islamically forbidden] situation strengthens the force of piety within themselves, increasing their safety and self-control. This was the discussion about the month of Ramadan.
Let’s move on to the topic of university students now. The points you raised about student issues and the hopes that exist for the student movement in the hearts of those who believe in the university [system] are completely correct, and I agree with all of those points. I’ve noted a brief point here to discuss, [of course,] if I can discuss it briefly today, God willing. It’s the concept of "student identity."
You see, as Western civilization entered our country over the past two centuries and we began to interact with it and be in contact with Westerners and their civilization, the Iranian youth have two distinct experiences in their encounters with Western civilization. One experience, which is the first experience, leads to an infatuation and a loss of identity. Another experience, which is the second experience, brings awareness, selective engagement, a sense of independence, and, in some cases, a complete feeling of separation and distance. Allow me to briefly elaborate on these two types of experiences.
In the first contact, the first encounter, when we came into contact with Westerners, Western elements, and certain Western symbols, the Iranian youth — let me emphasize, I am speaking specifically about the youth; the other segments of society share similar sentiments to the youth, [but] my focus here is on the youth — in that initial experience of encounter with the West, a preconception took shape in their minds. A fixed image was formed in their minds which was: the dichotomy of "an advanced West versus a backward, weak Iran" or "a successful West versus a degenerate Iran." This idea became ingrained in their thinking. When the Iranian youth compared themselves to the advancements of the West, Western science, Western technology, and the like, they felt they were backward, degenerate, and powerless. They perceived the West to be advanced, and they felt that they must follow in their footsteps and emulate their ways.
Of course, this is truly how things were. In other words, Iran was truly far behind the West a hundred years ago. Now, the reasons, causes, and factors behind this are detailed, and our discussion today is not about those matters. Nevertheless, this was the truth of the matter. However, there is an important point here. If you look at the other side — let's say the West — and you see its strengths, if those strengths cause you to become aware of your own weaknesses and lead you to think about this, that's good.
One sees what they’ve accomplished and considers what we need to do. For instance, if they’ve achieved scientific progress, we too must achieve scientific progress. It would be good if that had happened, but it didn’t. Instead, the West was seen as being a successful entity, and its strengths caused us to forget our own strengths! We had strengths too. The Iranian nation had strengths too, such as: faith, sincerity, brotherhood, family, loyalty, and modesty. These are our strengths.
We were neglectful regarding these matters. Our youth back then were neglectful. They themselves were neglectful, and a number of people emerged or were present in the country who increased this neglect. That is, instead of finding themselves, they lost themselves and spread this notion among the general public that if you want to achieve anything, if you want your life, knowledge, and capabilities to reach the level that you see in the West, you must become like them in all matters. You must become Westernized, because relying on your own original identity won’t get you anywhere! These are the famous words of Taqizadeh who said that we must become Westernized from head to toe. He said our clothing must become Westernized, our ethics must become Westernized, and our everyday behavior must become Westernized. He said everything must become Westernized so we can reach their level.
The important point is that the West was copied in terms of habits, on ethical issues, and in intellectual matters, but no significant change took place in the main issues that the West really relied on. Yes, a university system was established, but it didn’t turn out any prominent individuals, inventions, innovations, or scientific advancements during the reign of Reza Khan. The West supported this too. They strengthened this feeling and belief that one must follow the West and conform to it.
Back then, the representatives of Western governments in the country were mostly British, and they were in control of everything and everyone here. They brought a dictator to power. Reza Khan came to power and with an authoritarian, dictatorial, oppressive mindset he seized control of everything. A group of people gathered around him who intellectually — since these ideas didn’t occur to him — promoted, inculcated, and implemented among the people this tendency toward the West — indeed, a submission to the West — and becoming assimilated and immersed in its materialistic civilization. They advanced this agenda in our economy, in various aspects of our lives, and in matters of society. Basically, they were the ones who raised the flag of supporting the West.
Reza Khan was the embodiment of destructive Westernization, ruinous Westernization. That is, they essentially handed everything over to the West, and the result was that the country was hollowed out from within — eroding internally. So when the same British who had installed Reza Khan removed him and took him away after 20 years, our country didn’t have a national army, a national economy, national security, a national domestic policy, or a national foreign policy. It didn’t even have a national dress!
In other words, they reduced the country's progress to changes in clothing, in wearing certain types of hats, and such things. That was their way of dealing with the West. According to one of the officials and political figures of the Qajar and Pahlavi periods, Mokhber al-Saltaneh Hedayat, the focus was on the boulevards of Western cities instead of on laboratories or libraries. This was the nature of their contact [with the West].
Of course, intellectual figures such as Taqizadeh, Foroughi, and Hekmat were the greatest culprits of that period, and they held our country back for decades. Keep in mind that undoubtedly if there had been a group of caring, dedicated people instead of them, they could have helped the country advance. Those people kept the country behind. This was the initial contact with and perception of the West.
The second experience, which I believe is important and has brought us to this point, gradually emerged for the people through the bitter events — the oppressive, unjust actions of the Westerners in our country; the occupation of certain parts of the country by the British and the Tsarist Russians, who were also considered part of the West at that time; and also the Soviet Union later occupation of parts of Iran. The consequences of this control were felt in the north, south, and east of the country, where they had taken control of certain areas, suppressed the people, and created a famine.
Thousands of people — though we don’t have an exact number, some say millions — died from the famine that Westerners created in the country. [Many Iranians died] from the famine that they created. They suppressed movements inside the country — in Tabriz in one way, in Mashhad in another way, and in Gilan in yet another way — and committed various treacherous acts. There was the Vosuq al-Dowleh Agreement, the extension of the D’Arcy Oil Concession by Reza Shah, and other such things.
These actions gradually raised awareness among intelligent individuals and among the general public, particularly the younger generation, about the true nature of the West. It became evident that beyond this shiny, polished exterior, which is often accompanied by a smile, lies a sinister, treacherous core. People started to sense this. Gradually, that enthusiasm and infatuation with Western civilization waned among many people and among young people.
The Oil Nationalization Movement of 1950 and 1951 was definitely a significant episode. It was a historic turning point that was able to reveal the true nature of the West to us. This movement, along with its background, aftermath, effects, and consequences, clarified the overall true nature of the West for the Iranian people. Mossadegh, in his fight against the British over the issue of oil, relied on and hoped for support from the United States. He was openly, clearly hopeful that the US would support him against England. However, the United States struck a blow to Mossadegh. The very US that Mossadegh hoped would assist him, orchestrated a coup. Kim Roosevelt, the notorious instigator of coups who initiated the coup of August 19, [1953], was an American. They carried out this coup using American money and resources, and they kept the country captive for several more decades.
So these events resulted in the people understanding that relying on the West for progress is not only unhelpful, it also creates obstacles. In other words, reliance on the West doesn’t facilitate our advancement; rather, it will impede it. It became clear that anything that happens in Iran that contradicts the West’s interests and greed will face ruthless opposition from them. That opposition will either be direct as seen in the August 19th coup, which they orchestrated and intervened, or indirect through a puppet government, as seen in the massacre on June 5, 1963. In that case as well, they attacked, killed, and massacred, but this was carried out at the hands of Mohammad Reza [Pahlavi].
This realization, the Iranian nation and Iranian youth understanding the true nature of Western material civilization, sparked reactions. Some people stood up to them. The coup took place in August, and in December of that same year, a group of young university students rose up in Tehran University and protested against the visit of Nixon, who was the Vice President of the US at that time. Three students were killed by the [Pahlavi] regime’s agents; they lost their lives. It started from that day. Of course, universities have played a significant role in major events. Keep this in mind.
Yes, today’s universities are quite different from those that existed before the Revolution and even from the universities 20 years ago that were after the Revolution. Universities are more advanced today; their progress is greater; their understanding of various issues is more complex and profound; they are very resolute. This is contrary to what is often propagated. It’s sometimes stated that the new generation of Iranian students and youth lack the readiness of the 1980s generation. That isn’t true.
This readiness exists today as well. We have observed this in various situations. Even now, we are witnessing the readiness of Iranian youth to stand at the front lines and stand against the enemy with our own eyes. They are well-prepared; they have a better understanding of issues; and, praise God, their preparedness is also very good.
Of course, that line of deviation wasn’t cut off by this action, and it continued. That line clearly impacted various aspects of people's lives until the start of the Revolution. In other words, had the Revolution not taken place in 1979, the movement of the country, the actions of the government officials of that time and the cultural officials of that period, would have deprived the country of all its spiritual and moral advantages as well as its spiritual wealth. In other words, dependence — both material and spiritual — on foreign countries, on the US, and on various other countries would have increased day by day, and they [foreign countries] would have had more freedom to plunder [this country]. The Revolution came to the rescue of Iran and its people by successfully halting this onslaught. After all, they continued these actions until the Revolution.
I place great importance on this: Imam [Khomeini’s (ra)] great talent was that, first of all, he spoke to the "nation" and not to a specific class, a particular party, or a specific group. He spoke to the Iranian nation, he gave the nation an identity, and he made demands and expressed expectations from the nation. He brought the nation into the field and got them involved. This was his great talent. In none of the past events had there been such a massive national movement initiated by someone like the Imam. Of course, we had never had anyone like him.
He not only gave the nation a sense of identity, expected people to get involved, but also trusted them, reminded them of their cultural and historical identity, and awakened all of us from negligence. We weren’t aware of our own capabilities. Imam made us aware of our capabilities and our pursuits, and he got us involved. He got the nation involved and truly struggled for this endeavor, and Almighty God blessed this struggle. The nation wasn’t intimidated and didn’t become intimidated. Imam removed that feeling of intimidation from the nation. Well, this was the general state of the second contact, which primarily involved the Iranian youth, with the West’s presence and the West’s material civilization in the country. Of course, we have spoken extensively about these matters.
However, the world’s bullies refuse to let go. This is the crucial point. The world’s bullies are the ones who did whatever they wanted in Iran for many years. They brought 50,000 military and civilian advisors here, took whatever they wanted from the country’s resources, and imposed their will however they pleased. They dictated who to sell oil to, who not to sell oil to, who to have relations with, who not to have relations with, who to appoint as prime minister, who not to appoint, how to deal with the clergy, and how to deal with universities. For years and years, this was how they lived in this country. But their grip has been broken, and that’s why they cannot stay silent. From the beginning of the Revolution, they have fought against the Revolution, opposed it, conspired against it, and have done everything they could against it up to this day.
Of course, throughout this entire period, by the grace of God, the Revolution has triumphed over them. The world’s bullies say that everyone must comply with what they say. You’re seeing this today. Everyone in the world is seeing an example of this. [They say], "Everyone must comply with what we say. Everyone must prioritize our interests over their own. We come first." Today, they’re showing this to everyone throughout the world. In fact, they’re exposing the true nature of the West for all to see. In my opinion — I believe this is the case — Islamic Iran is the only country that has firmly rejected this. We have firmly stated that we will never under any circumstances prioritize others’ interests over our own.
Well, now let's return to the subject of young Iranian students. Today, I want to tell you that the enemy's policy of promoting a spirit of submission, passivity, and dependence has been seriously activated. That is, with new methods — especially with the scientific advancements that have been made, such as the internet and the other things that exist — they are actively working in this area. So where do our students stand [amidst all this]? Of course, the sentiments that were expressed here, the points that were made, and the spirit that was shown were very good. The key to countering the enemy's conspiracy, which seeks to infiltrate, seize, and regain its lost dominance over our beloved country, lies solely in this spirit, this passion, and the collective movement of students. There is no doubt about this.
In response to the enemy's movement — this movement that I mentioned is currently being pursued with new methods — the Islamic movement is also advancing, fortunately. Good innovations are being used in the fields of religious issues, ethical matters, and even mystical issues today. Good intellectual figures have fortunately emerged today in the Islamic seminaries, in universities, and in various sectors of society, and they have been able to achieve, find, and use a suitable contemporary language to convey Islamic concepts.
The very points you mentioned here — which can certainly be expanded on tenfold in student gatherings, and I will also make a brief reference to this — are precisely what I recommended some time ago in one of these meetings, "content creation." This is what content is. One of the necessary tasks that must be done in the social media is creating content. This is content. The work you can do; the ideas you can generate; the deep analyses you can conduct and share regarding issues is exactly the kind of content creation we expect.
Students must stand here. This is where they belong. A student can act like a teacher, like a warning signal, or like a guiding light, all to the best of their ability in an appropriate environment. You can take action. In my opinion, this is where the identity of our wonderful students can be seen, in their ability to articulate, clarify, and explain matters.
I also have some recommendations. Last year I made several recommendations. I’ve mentioned some [of those] recommendations here. One of the recommendations was that student associations should focus on university issues, and I want to emphasize this point. From what I've been told, this work hasn’t been carried out as it ought to be. This is an expectation I have from you, the youth. There are obstacles, but in every great endeavor, in every good work, obstacles will inevitably arise. Don’t assume that we are going to move on a smooth asphalt road. No, there are twists and turns, ups and downs, and difficulties. Overcome the challenges. Overcome the challenges!
If you can use the appropriate language of clarification, you can have an impact in the university. Your audience consists of students who are young. There’s no hostility or enmity, and they are ready to listen and accept things. The expectation that one of the brothers expressed here — that the centers that need to clarify and articulate matters aren’t doing this; they’re not doing their job — this is something expected from you too. [You], the student associations, should study, prepare yourselves, and influence the university environment with your correct thoughts. That is one recommendation.
Another recommendation is that you should hold serious brainstorming sessions. Really think about an issue and use reliable, intellectual people who are available today. We have reliable, intellectual people. Use them in these brainstorming sessions. Talk about the key issues of the day. Some of the discussions that come up aren’t of top importance. They aren’t matters of top importance. They’re matters that are of a second or third level in importance. The main issues of the country are those that relate to the movement of the Revolution and the overall movement of society. These are both internal and external issues. Identify these and make them the focus of discussions.
In various cases, different analyses are presented in newspapers and in the social media. These analyses should not create doubts in you. Don’t become confused and uncertain due to different analyses. Take charge of your own analysis, understanding, and research and overcome the false statements that are made.
One of my recommendations is the following. Some of the criticism and complaints from students about the authorities arises from a lack of awareness regarding certain issues. For example, "Why wasn’t Operation True Promise II carried out at a certain time? Why was it carried out at such and such a time? If it had been carried out at that time, this or that event wouldn’t have happened." Well, that isn’t correct. It’s not correct. Those in charge of these matters have as much attachment, commitment, love, and dedication to the Revolution as you and I do. They cannot be blamed. They have their own calculations, take certain things into account, and make calculations. If you were in their position, you would have done the same thing.
Always keep this possibility in mind and refrain from making accusations. That is, in the events you witness, and there may be some ambiguity for you, always consider the possibility of a correct calculation — that there may be a real, valid reasoning behind a certain decision.
Regarding criticism, one of my recommendations last year was that you need to criticize. There’s nothing wrong with criticism. Questions have been raised in this regard about how to criticize. For example, in a state of war and in a situation where we’re confronting the enemies, how should we criticize without offending anyone? Criticism is fine, but this is different from making accusations. Be careful to avoid accusing anyone when you criticize.
A question can be raised. That’s fine. A question can be raised, ambiguities can be spoken about, and the opportunity should be given for the answer to be given to those questions. Sometimes the other party may not be able to answer certain questions. That is, they may not have the opportunity to respond or may not be in a position to address the matter. In such cases, don’t even bring up ambiguities. When using such an approach, don’t assume that hypothetical scenarios are certainties.
In my opinion, when you criticize something, avoid giving the impression that there’s a dead end. In other words, don’t criticize in such a way that when ordinary people hear it, they feel there’s an impasse. Sometimes the issues are presented in a way that when a person hears that discussion, they genuinely feel that there’s no solution. This is wrong. It’s wrong to suggest that we’ve reached a dead end in a particular economic, cultural, or educational issue. That discourages people and such an approach must be seriously avoided. Creating division, the polarization of people, causing despair, and creating distrust toward officials who are in the role of decision making shouldn’t be part of criticisms.
Sometimes I receive questions as well. Of course, they aren’t asked directly. For instance, they may come up in the social media or in statements sent to our office. For example, "Why was that person [the Leader] happy when all the ministers were approved even though some of these ministers may not have met the criteria he has in mind?" This is one of the questions. Yes, that is a question.
The answer is that the Majlis [Iranian Parliament’s] endorsement of all the ministers is a desirable phenomenon. If the ministers aren’t approved, the department of the minister who isn’t approved will remain without an administrator for a long time. Operating without an administrator is significantly more detrimental than having someone in the role who may not possess all the qualifications, because that can lead to disorder. It’s to the advantage of the government for the administration to be established in a timely manner so that it can [effectively] manage the country. The government must be able to govern the country.
This vote in the Majlis has this great advantage. Well, naturally it makes one happy. At the same time, it’s possible that one may not fully approve of a certain minister’s performance or may not consider some of their qualities to be positive qualities. These things don’t contradict each other. There are such cases after all. In short, the main concern of a student shouldn’t be these matters. These are not the country’s main issues. As I mentioned, the country’s main issues are other matters.
I would like to say a few words about the recent issue concerning the US and their call for negotiations and such talk. First of all, the US president [Donald Trump] says, "We’re ready to negotiate with Iran." He calls for negotiations while claiming to have sent a letter, although such a letter hasn’t reached us. I mean, I haven’t received it. In my opinion, this is an attempt to deceive global public opinion. What they’re trying to imply is, "We’re willing to negotiate, we want to negotiate, and we want peace and to end the conflict. [But] Iran is unwilling to negotiate." Well, why is Iran unwilling to negotiate? Look back at yourselves. We sat down and negotiated for several years, [but] this same person (Donald Trump) took a completed, signed agreement and threw it off the table. He tore it up. How could one enter negotiations with such a person?
In response to what I’ve just said, an internal journalist of a certain newspaper said, "Well, when two people are at war with each other, they sit down to negotiate for peace. They don’t trust each other. A lack of trust isn’t an obstacle to negotiations." That’s wrong. The same two people who are negotiating for peace won’t proceed with negotiations if they aren’t certain that the other party will adhere to what has been agreed upon. They know such negotiations would be a pointless, futile endeavor. In negotiations, one must be confident that the other side will honor their commitments. When we know they won't honor commitments, what’s the point of negotiating? So, their calling for negotiations and expressing a willingness to negotiate are an attempt to deceive public opinion.
Regarding US sanctions, from the beginning our negotiations in the JCPOA and throughout the 2010s were aimed at getting the sanctions removed. Fortunately, the sanctions are becoming less effective globally. When sanctions continue, they gradually lose their impact. They themselves have admitted this. That is, they too have acknowledged that a country that’s been sanctioned can gradually find ways to counteract the sanctions. We have discovered many such ways and have counteracted the sanctions. Yes, sanctions are not entirely without effect. But this isn’t the case that if our economic situation is bad, it’s only due to sanctions. No! Our own negligence sometimes has an effect. And not just sometimes, most of our problems stem from our own negligence. A part of them are certainly due to the sanctions, but the sanctions will gradually become ineffective too. This is definite.
Regarding the topic of nuclear weapons, they constantly say, "We won’t allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons." If we had wanted to build nuclear weapons, the US wouldn’t have been able to stop us. The fact that we neither possess nor seek nuclear weapons is because we ourselves don’t want to for certain reasons. We have previously spoken about and discussed these reasons. We didn’t want to [build nuclear weapons] ourselves. Otherwise, if we had wanted to, they wouldn’t have been able to stop us.
The next point is that the US threatens with military action. In my opinion, this threat is unwise. Starting a war or inflicting a blow isn’t something that can be done by one side without receiving a response. Iran is capable of carrying out a counterattack, and it will definitely inflict such a blow. I even believe that if the US and their agents make any wrong military move against Iran, they’ll be the ones who will suffer the greatest loss. Of course, war isn’t good. We’re not seeking to start a war. But if someone takes action to start a war, the response from us will be firm and definite.
The next point is that today, the US is on the path to becoming weaker, not on a path to becoming stronger — and this is a reality. It’s on the path to becoming weaker economically and also politically both in terms of its global standing and in terms of its domestic politics. It’s also becoming weaker in terms of internal social issues. All these factors are contributing to the US’s decline. The US no longer possesses the power it had 30 or 20 years ago, nor will it ever have such power again. It won’t be able to have [that same power].
The next point is that some individuals inside the country continuously escalate the issue of negotiations by saying, "Why don’t you respond? Why don’t you negotiate? Why don't you sit down with the US? Sit down [with them for negotiations]." What I want to say is that if the goal of negotiations is for the sanctions to be removed, negotiating with this US administration won’t result in the sanctions being removed. That is, they won’t remove the sanctions. [Rather], it will cause the knot of sanctions to become tighter and pressure to increase. Negotiating with this [US] administration would cause pressure to increase. In the meeting I had with our officials a few days ago, I said that they [the US officials] raise new issues and speak of new expectations. They make new, excessive demands. Our problems will become worse than they are today [if we negotiate with them]. So, negotiations won’t solve any problems or open any knots. This is another point.
The last point is this that contrary to the enemy's expectations, neither the Resistance of Palestine nor that of Lebanon has faltered. Rather, they have become stronger and more motivated. These martyrdoms have resulted in human losses for them, but in terms of motivation, these martyrdoms have strengthened them. You have seen how someone like Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah (may God be pleased with him) departs from being among us, and his absence is felt. But at the same time, in the days following his martyrdom, the actions taken by Hezbollah against the Zionist regime were even stronger than its previous efforts.
In the Palestinian Resistance, individuals such as Martyr Haniyeh, Martyr Sinwar, and Martyr Deif are no longer amongst them. Nonetheless, they’re able to impose their conditions on the opposing side in negotiations, which the Zionist regime, its supporters, and the United States have insisted upon. This shows that the motivation [of the Resistance] has become stronger.
The following will be my final statement [for today]. We also say that we will give our full support to the Resistance in Palestine and the Resistance in Lebanon. There is a consensus on this among the country's officials. The government, our honorable president, and others all agree on these issues. There’s no conflict on these issues. God willing, the Iranian nation will continue to be recognized globally as the flagbearer of the Resistance against oppression in the future, just as it has been in the past.
May God’s greetings, mercy, and blessings be upon you.
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