In a meeting today with thousands of the members of the Basij Resistance Force, Ayatollah Khamenei the Leader of the Islamic Revolution described the Basij as the secret behind the country's national resistance, steadfastness, and grandeur. His Eminence also urged all the media, political activists, and officials to avoid minor and illogical disputes and reiterated that the country's main priority is to counter the enemies' soft war which is aimed at causing suspicion and discord among the people.
Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the critical role of the Basij during different stages of the Islamic Revolution and the tough tests it underwent during those stages and added: "Defending the independence and grandeur of the country was one of the stages during which the members of the Basij were present. And had it not been for the presence of the Basij, the country's fate would have been different today."
He added: "Even after the imposed war, the Basij has always played a pioneering role in the country."
Ayatollah Khamenei described the Basij as a paramilitary unit and reiterated: "Those active in military units are among the best members of the Basij. But in fact, Basij means the comprehensive, strong, and permanent presence of different groups of people who are by no means dependent on money, position, and orders from higher-ranking people. For the members of the Basij, the criterion is insight and faith."
Ayatollah Khamenei said that the Basij should play a more profound and influential role in the country and stated that the Islamic Republic will be immune to all threats as long as the Basij is present.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution further referred to identifying the weaknesses and shortcomings as well as taking the necessary measures to make further progress as the current necessities for the Basij and stated: "After the failure of the camp of arrogance in its fierce opposition against the Islamic Republic in the first decade of the Islamic Revolution, the enemies have now focused their attention on a soft war against the Islamic Republic. And countering this soft war is the main priority today."
Ayatollah Khamenei further delineated the aspects of "soft war" and stated: "In a soft war, the enemy tries to make use of advanced cultural and communication tools, spread lies and rumors, and take advantage of certain opportunities to create suspicion and discord among people."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution referred to the post-election events in the country as an example of this method and stated: "During the post-election events, the enemies created doubt and suspicion among the people under the pretext of elections. They intended to make the people and the officials frustrated with one another."
He added that the enemies tried to deal a blow to the country during the post-election events but failed to do so thanks to the vigilance of the people.
Ayatollah Khamenei further stated that making accusations against one another and causing tension are harmful to the country.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution said: "I stress that the people and different political groups should unite with one another and stand up to the few people who are opposed to the very basis of the Revolution and independence of the country, the individuals whose only intention is to let the US and the arrogant powers dominate the country."
Ayatollah Khamenei said that it is necessary to distinguish between the general public and mercenaries and stated: "No one should speak in a way that makes the people confused and suspicious of the elites and officials."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution strongly criticized the media and organizations that are after spreading rumors and creating an atmosphere of discord and suspicion. "I advise those who are concerned about the interests of the country to avoid such minor and illogical disagreements."
Ayatollah Khamenei also criticized those who slander and spread rumors against the officials of the country and reiterated: "Such actions contribute to the goals of the enemies because the officials of the country - including the President and the heads of the Majlis, the Judiciary, and the Expediency Council - are all in charge of the country's affairs, and it is necessary that the people trust them."
He referred to the doubts which were created after the presidential elections about the performance of the organizations in charge of holding the elections and said that such actions are very harmful and indeed what the enemies desire.
His Eminence urged the basiji youth to strengthen their faith and insight and observe moral and ethical principles when making judgments about people. He added: "It is not correct to describe a person as munafiq for a single mistake he has made. Neither is it right to claim that a particular person is opposed to Velayat-e Faqih just because he holds different views."
Ayatollah Khamenei said that the enemies will not be able to deal any blows to the country and the Islamic Revolution thanks to the presence of the Basij and the sincerity of the people, particularly the youth.
Ayatollah Khamenei said that those who are encouraged by the enemies to oppose the Islamic Republic, the Constitution, and the great movement of the people will not achieve their goals and their efforts will prove futile.