Before Ayatollah Khamenei began his speech a few students and representatives, belonging to student organizations, took the liberty of openly expressing their viewpoints about the country’s major concerns. Ayatollah Khamenei expressed his pleasure and contentment with the series of Ramadan meetings, this time with university students and said: “The various issues and different viewpoints that were brought up in this meeting were of good quality and pleasant; they displayed the intellectual growth of university students and their demands; furthermore, this proves that over time revolutionary aspirations, open minds, as well as serene reasoning has significantly expanded day by day among university students.” The Leader of the Revolution described the current crucial conditions of the country as very similar to those of the Al-Ahzab battle (The Battle of the Confederates) during Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) time. In his speech the leader said: “Today all the materialists and bullies of the world have arrayed against the Islamic Republic; they have attacked it in all its aspects. Under such conditions, those who are weak in their beliefs or those who are perhaps the enemies’ insiders, express hopelessness, desperateness and low self-esteem; however, those with a firm belief in God, no matter how difficult the situations get, resist with an unbendable determination and willpower. If we desire resistance against the arrogant front and want to achieve the dignity and glory that the Islamic Republic of Iran deserves, we must consolidate and strengthen our piety in both personal and public behavior.”
Furthermore, Ayatollah Khamenei put emphases on the Iranian nation’s landmark and inevitable struggle against the arrogant front by reiterating, “The struggle first began when the Iranian nation decided to be independent and developed: this was incompatible with the global domineering powers’ interests.” He referred to certain individual comments, which stated that the Islamic Republic was looking for excuses for not getting along with the major world powers, as superficial and unintellectual. “This struggle and resistance does not need any excuse, as long as the Iranian nation resists in accordance with their dignified, revolutionary and Islamic background. A resistance does exists and there are only two ways to end it: either the Islamic Republic of Iran obtains such a power and capability that the other party won’t dare attack it; or the Islamic Republic of Iran loses its original identity and turns into a lifeless outsider. For the Iranian nation, the first condition “achieving full power” is what would bring an end to the struggle. Of course, it might be that today the US policies require a distinguishment between different officials among the Islamic Republic of Iran; thus, categorizing them as ‘good’ and ‘bad’ authorities; however, if they find the means they label the same, so-called, ‘good’ authorities as ‘bad ones’ too.” His Eminence commented on another concern raised by the students which focused on new oil contracts and commented, “As long as the necessary corrections, within the frame work of the nation’s interests, are not carried out on the contracts, they will absolutely not be signed.”
Weighing in on issues regarding the necessity of rationality among the country, The Leader of the Revolution stated: “These days many comments are made regarding rationality, or rather the necessity of rational dialogue between the political parties, which is in essence a practical and exceptionally appropriate topic in accordance with the advice of Islam, the Quran and Imam Khomeini. Imam Khomeini (ra), who was one of the greatest wise men of the world, described the Islamic Revolution as “a rational revolution” and those who think Iran needs to rely on the West for development, have actually lost their rationality, since reason orders us to learn from experiences.” His eminence also referenced on the incredibly appalling behavior towards the JCPOA by French and Americans in the following statement: “Regarding the JCPOA, it was proven that the Americans- both the Congress and the State- continue their practice of animosity towards Iran. Rationality orders us to deal with such an enemy by way of wisdom and prudence while avoiding their deceit or falling into the enemies plot.” Ayatollah Khamenei made further note concerning US’s claim on willingness to negotiate and cooperate with Iran on regional issues, including the Syrian crisis, and said, “We do not desire such cooperation, because their main goal is to cut Iran’s presence out of the region.”
Ayatollah Khamenei made the final closing statement, “Based on the spiritual, religious and ethical duty that I have I will resist, as long as I am alive, and I will trust the people, just as I am certain that the outcome of the resistance is victory.” The meeting, which commenced before the Sunset, was followed by congregational prayer. Capping off the evening the attendees broke their fast, sharing iftar with the Supreme Leader of Iran.
Click here to read the full text to the speech.
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