1. The Level of Principles and Ideology
Rejection of evil ones is a requirement of faith, and the U.S. is the greatest of all evils.
There is another holy ayah which says, "Therefore, whoever disbelieves in satan and believes in Allah he indeed has laid hold on the firmest handle, which shall not break off" [The Holy Quran, Sura al-Baqarah, Ayah 256]. This ayah interprets the previous ayah for us. What is the right way to hold fast by the covenant of Allah? Through having faith in God and rejecting taghut.
Today the regime of the United States of America is the greatest taghut in the world because it created Zionism and it has been sanctioning it. America replaced the previous greatest taghut, namely England. Today the invasions of the US regime and its sympathizers and allies have put the world of Islam in a difficult situation. On its way to spiritual and material progress and when adopting positions, the world of Islam has been under pressure from America and its allies and sympathizers. For example, during the Zionist regime's attack on Lebanon over the past month - which resulted in a great Islamic epic by Hezbollah and divine assistance was bestowed on them - America openly entered the arena of war and did not limit itself to verbal, financial and political support: it provided weapons and military assistance for the Zionist regime. In fact, this war was started by the Americans. Today the Americans are the greatest taghut in the world.
In many parts of the world of Islam, people have faith in Allah the Exalted, but they do not reject taghut. Rejecting taghut is necessary. Without rejecting taghut, it is not possible to lay hold "on the firmest handle, which shall not break off" [The Holy Quran, Sura al-Baqarah, Ayah 256]. We do not call on governments and peoples to start a war with America. We are only calling on them to refuse to surrender to America, to refuse to cooperate with the enemy of Islam and Muslims. Aug 21, 2006
Animosity with the Islamic Republic is intrinsic to the Domineering Powers.
What we are saying is that America is the enemy of the Revolution. It is in the nature of global imperialism to show enmity towards a system such as the Islamic Republic. Their interests are 180 degrees different from each other. Global imperialism is about treachery, waging wars, creating and organizing terrorist groups, suppressing freedom--seeking groups and exerting pressure over the oppressed–such as the oppressed people of Palestine and countries like Palestine.--This is in the nature of global imperialism.
Take note, it is a hundred years now that America and England have been pressuring the people of Palestine. They have been doing so before the formation of the Zionist regime--in the year 1948--and after that--till this day. Well, this is how global imperialism moves. Islam cannot remain silent on this matter. The Islamic government cannot see this and be indifferent. Global imperialism is directly helping those who bomb the people of Yemen. America is openly and directly helping with the bombardment of Yemen. Which areas do they bomb? Do they bomb the front lines? No, they bomb hospitals, markets, schools, and public squares. America is helping them. Well, the Islamic Republic cannot remain indifferent [towards these issues]. These two systems are battling one another; they are opposed to one another by nature. Jun 3, 2016
We are opposed to the arrogance of the U.S.
We - including our people and we ourselves - who mention the name of America do this because of its arrogance. The issue of America is arrogance. We mention its name because America is an arrogant government. Its methods are based on arrogance. We have no problems with America as a geographical entity, as a nation or as a group of people. In this sense, it is like other countries. Our issue with America is the issue of American arrogance. They are arrogant, conceited, thuggish and greedy. Nov 27, 2014
We want to establish a friendly and kind relationship with all human beings and all nations. We even have no enmity with the American people despite the fact that the government of America is an arrogant, hostile and evil government which bears a grudge against the Iranian nation and the Islamic Republic. The American people are like other peoples. What the Islamic Republic is opposed to is arrogance. Nov 20, 2013
The Arrogant Powers do not tolerate us.
Why does today's Islamic government confront arrogance? It is because arrogance with the characteristics that I described cannot tolerate an Islamic government such as the Islamic Republic of Iran. It is because the Islamic Republic of Iran was formed on the basis of opposition to arrogance. The Revolution was carried out in Iran in opposition to arrogance and the agents of arrogance. Nov 20, 2013
The deep animosity of the U.S. towards the Islamic Republic
As for the second experience, to reflect upon, it is the depth of US enmity directed at Iran and the Islamic Republic. US enmity runs a deep, it's not superficial. Their opposition is not on the basis of an issue like the nuclear one, everyone has understood this much: the issue is way beyond this. Their problem is that they are opposed--deeply opposed--to a system which has risen, become refined, and evolved in this sensitive region; a system which is opposed to the oppression of the US; which does not show any consideration for the US; which expands the spirit of resistance in the region and which has raised the flag of Islam. Their problem is that they do not want this Islamic government and the Islamic Republic to exist.
Not only do the leaders of the US administration want this establishment to be crushed, but they also hate the people who support this establishment – the Iranian nation. One of the vice presidents of the US – not of this president, one of the former V.P.'s – openly said that they should uproot the Iranian nation, not the Islamic Republic! So, America’s issue with the Islamic Republic is not about some fight over nuclear capabilities or the issue of missiles and the like. No. There is another narrative behind the nuclear issue, the issue of missiles and other such issues. The reason why they highlight these matters – I might expand on this during my statements – is that they want to destroy the elements of power within the Islamic Republic. These concerns are all about elements of power in the Islamic Republic and elements of power for the Iranian nation: that is why they insist on them. This is yet another experience, and it is one that cannot be ignored. We should keep in mind that the US is the enemy of the Iranian nation and the Islamic Republic; its enmity is deep. The underlying problem is not about nuclear and atomic energy and the like, rather the issue is about the Islamic Republic. May 23, 2018
The U.S. has an issue with the existence of the Islamic Republic, and this issue will not be resolved through negotiations.
There is a wrong notion inside our country which is a claim that we can get along with America and that we should get along with it so that we can solve problems. Well, this is an incorrect notion. We cannot rely on illusions, rather we should rely on realities. First of all, as I said, a system like the Islamic Republic can never receive kindness and affection from the likes of America, logically speaking. This is not possible. Second, take a look and see how America has treated us in the past 50, 60 years – since the 28th of Mordad, after that during the time of taghut and after that, from the beginning of the Revolution until today. During the time of taghut, America looked at the Pahlavi regime as a source of wealth. This is while the blows that America delivered to Iran during the same time were fatal and mortal blows.
Those who are familiar with history and with life in those days understand and acknowledge this completely. And it goes without saying what happened after the Revolution. From the first day, they began acting in a vicious and hostile manner and this has continued until today. So, the issue is not about a misunderstanding. Sometimes, there is a misunderstanding between two governments which is resolved through negotiations. Sometimes, the dispute is about a border area. For example, they argue about how much of that border area each of them should get. This can be resolved through negotiations. They can resolve it through a 50-50 deal.
However, here the issue is not about a 50-50 deal, rather the issue is about the existence of the Islamic Republic. This cannot be resolved by conducting negotiations and establishing diplomatic relations. This notion is not a correct one. The phenomenon that Islamic power, independence and progress have created in the world is not acceptable to arrogance, which is embodied by America. It is wrong to think that we can sit and negotiate with the Americans and say to them that we can make peace somehow. Making peace requires that you relinquish your claims.
Two, three years ago – in the beginning of the recent phase of nuclear negotiations – I said that the Americans should make it clear for us what the extent of our retreat should be so that they stop showing enmity to us. They should make this clear for us. If the nuclear matter is resolved, will everything be over? Well, now the nuclear matter has been resolved. You should go and see if the issue is over or not! Then, they brought up the issue of missiles. If the issue of missiles is resolved, they will bring up the issue of human rights. If the issue of human rights is resolved, they will bring up the issue of the Guardian Council. If the issue of the Guardian Council is resolved, they will question the essence of Leadership and Wilayat-e Faqih. And if the issue of Wilayat-e Faqih is resolved, they will bring up the issue of the Constitution and the authority of Islam. This is the main issue. The dispute is not about trivial matters. Therefore, this notion is a wrong one. Jun 14, 2016
The animosity of the U.S. towards us is not because of the nuclear issue.
One reason is that the enmity of America towards the Iranian nation and the Islamic Republic is not at all about the nuclear issue. It is wrong to think that America's hostility towards us is based on the nuclear issue. This is not the case. The nuclear issue is an excuse. Even long before the nuclear issue - that is to say, since the beginning of the Revolution - these hostilities and oppositions existed. Even if one day the nuclear issue is resolved - imagine that the Islamic Republic retreats, which is the thing they want - you should not think that these hostilities will be over. No, they will gradually make tens of other excuses.
For example, they will say, "why do you have missiles?", "why do you have drones?", "why are you on unfriendly terms with the Zionist regime?", "why do you not officially recognize the Zionist regime?", "why do you support resistance groups?" in, as they call it, the Middle East region and why and why and why...
The issue is not that they have disagreements with the Islamic Republic about its nuclear program. This is not the case. America's sanctions began since the beginning of the Revolution and these sanctions increased on a daily basis so much so that today, it has reached a high level.
They showed other kinds of hostility as well. They brought down a plane which belonged to the Islamic Republic and they killed 290 humans. During the early years of the Revolution, when the people were still enthusiastic about the victory of the Revolution, they launched the coup d'état based in Shahid Nojeh military base. They launched a coup d'état against the Revolution and they supported anti-revolutionary elements in different corners of the country. They gave weapons and other such things to the anti-revolutionary camp. This is the same thing that they did in other countries later on. Their enmity is not based on the nuclear issue. The issue is something else. The Iranian nation said no to the requests of America. The Iranian nation said that America cannot do a damn thing against us. The Americans are opposed to the identity of the Islamic Republic. They are opposed to the influence and power of the Islamic Republic. Nov 3, 2013
The animosity of the U.S. towards the Islamic Republic is due to our nature and identity.
The statements by the American president in two letters addressed to this person wherein it is stated that he does not have the intention of overthrowing the Islamic Republic, quickly turned out to be untrue with his support of domestic seditionists and his financial support of opponents of the Islamic Republic. His direct threats of military attack- and even nuclear attack which can result in his indictment in international courts- lifted the veil on the real intentions of the rulers of America. Global opinion and experts from many countries clearly recognize that the source of this unending hostility is the essence and identity of the Islamic Republic of Iran which has arisen from the Islamic Revolution. Steadfastness on the truthful stances of Islam against the oppressive and arrogant hegemon, steadfastness against the avarice for and violation of weak nations, disclosure of American support of medieval dictators and the smashing of independent nations, unconditional support of the Palestinian people and national liberation movements, rational and globally popular cries against the vicious Zionist regime- these constitute the general elements that for the regime of the United States of America makes enmity towards the Islamic Republic inevitable. And this enmity will continue as long as the Islamic Republic, with reliance on its domestic strength and steadfastness, makes them desperate. The actions and discourse of the American government in the long and tedious negotiations showed that this too was another link in the chain of their obstinate enmity towards the Islamic Republic. Oct 21, 2015
The result of an agreement with the U.S. is letting go of Islam and the essence of the Islamic Republic.
Another issue is that we have many problems and differences of opinion with America. We should resolve these differences. They should come to an end. Now, if in the process of resolving these differences, the people of Iran have to abandon, for example, their principles and their red lines, they should do it. The other side will not abandon its principles and values but if it is necessary, we should abandon our principles so that we can resolve the existing problems and so that the country can consequently benefit from its capacities and turn into, for example, an outstanding economy. This is what they say.
An agreement was made on the nuclear issue and we called it the JCPOA. However [they say], there should be another JCPOA in the case of regional events and yet another on the issue of the Constitution of the country. There should be JCPOA 2, 3, 4 and other JCPOAs as well so that we can “live comfortably”. This is a logic that they are trying to promote among the outstanding personalities of society and among public opinion in society through outstanding personalities.
What is the meaning of this? It means that the Islamic Republic should forget about those fundamental issues that it is committed to based on the edict of Islam and its own outstanding guidelines: it should forget about the issue of Palestine, it should forget about supporting the Resistance in the region, and it should stop providing political assistance and support to the oppressed peoples in the region – for example, the people of Palestine, the people of Gaza, the people of Yemen and the people of Bahrain. And the Islamic Republic should get close to what the other side – that is to say, America – wants to achieve and it should do so by bringing about a balance in its own demands.
This means that the Islamic Republic should act in the same way that some regional countries and governments are acting today. Such countries have gotten along with the Zionist regime contrary to the edict of Islam and contrary to the wishes of their own peoples. And they have allowed other issues to overshadow the issue of Palestine. This means that the Islamic Republic should get along and be reconciled with the Zionist enemy in the same way that some Arab governments have done so. They have extended the hand of friendship towards this Zionist enemy with complete shamelessness.
Of course, things do not end here. What this political analysis of the enemy means is that if America wishes, the Islamic Republic should even forget about its own defense mechanisms. You see what uproar they have created in the world on the issue of our missiles. They say, “Why does the Islamic Republic have missiles? Why does it have long-range missiles? Why do the Islamic Republic’s missiles aim at and hit the target in a very precise manner?” They say, “Why have you carried out a military maneuver? Why do you have military exercises and why and why and why!
This is while the Americans themselves carry out maneuvers from time to time in the Persian Gulf – which is several thousand kilometers away from their country - and they do so along with some regional countries. They do this while they have no responsibility in the region. However, when the Islamic Republic carries out a military maneuver in its own home, in its own territory and in its own security zone, they create uproar about why we have carried out a military operation, why we have adopted such and such measures and why our Navy and our Air Force have adopted such and such courses of action.
This analysis of the enemy means that we should forget about all these things. The issue is even beyond this. They will gradually draw the issue towards the reason why the Quds Force and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps have been formed and why the domestic policies of the Islamic Republic should be coordinated with Islam. The matter will come to this!
When you retreat in the face of the enemy while you can resist him – later on, I will enlarge on this issue – the enemy will advance. He does not stop. Gradually, he will find the courage to say that our belief that the Islamic Republic’s administration, the Islamic Consultative Majlis and the judiciary branch should work on the basis of Islam and Islamic sharia is against freedom and that liberalism does not believe in this. The matter will gradually come to this.
When you retreat in the face of the enemy while you can resist him, the enemy will advance. He does not stop.
If we retreat, this will encourage them to question the Guardian Council’s role in society. It will encourage them to question the Guardian Council’s power to repeal certain laws because of their opposition to sharia. This is the main point. This is what I have said many times: this is changing the inner behavior of the Islamic Republic. The outward appearance of the Islamic Republic might survive, but it will completely be empty of its content. The enemy wants this. On the basis of this analysis of the enemy and on the basis of the analysis that is being injected into the minds of outstanding personalities and public opinion, if the Islamic Republic and the people of Iran want to get rid of America, they should abandon the Islamic Republic’s content, Islam, Islamic concepts and their security. Mar 20, 2016
The United States’ deep wound from the Islamic Revolution in Iran
The Islamic Republic has some disagreements with the arrogant powers and the US over certain issues. What are these disagreements rooted in? This is an important point to be considered. Today, political analysts say that the US always pays special attention to Iran and the Iranian nation when dealing with the different matters of the world. What is the reason behind this? We have also realized that most of the problems of our country and nation have somehow been caused by the Americans. Why is that? The reasons should be carefully sought.
The disagreements are not limited to political issues only. It is natural for two countries to have disagreements over certain political issues. This can be resolved through negotiation. However, the Iran-America conflict does not fall into this category. This is a different issue and the disagreements are deep-rooted. The issue is that the US regime claimed to be the only dominant superpower after the Second World War. Of course, the Soviet Union was a rival for the US at that time. However, the issue was more than mere competition between the two superpowers. The US had targeted all the vital resources of the world. They had even gained control over some strategic areas in the world including the Middle East, the northern parts of Africa, and the Persian Gulf - which has been a great source of oil. Oil is a vital resource in the modern world. Whether the situation will remain the same in the future as well is something I cannot be sure of.
However, in today's world, oil is a great resource which provides heat and light for many countries. It is a vital resource for many countries. Without it, many factories will be closed down and there will be no production and business. Oil is as vital as blood for our lives today. The majority of oil sources are located in the Middle East. Dominating this region was an important goal which the US had achieved. Iran is located in the middle of the Middle East. This region was then the main stronghold of the arrogant powers. The neighbors of our country were controlled by the US in one way or another at that time. Of course, the Soviet Union also tried to benefit from the situation, but the Americans were the dominant force and they had to preserve the status quo. Of course, their greed was not limited to this region and its oil resources only. The Americans were trying to gain a stable position in Latin America, Africa, Eastern Asia, and different parts of the world as well. They extended their domination in those regions and their rivals retreated more and more each day.
In the middle of this struggle for power, the Islamic Revolution came into existence, and its main slogan was to defend the rights of other nations and fight arrogance and oppression. The Islamic Revolution liberated Iran, which played a crucial part in the region, from the domination of the US. There was a time when those connected to the US could be found in different parts of the country - in Tehran as well as in other crucial parts of the country. Those who were connected to the US played a key role in the Armed Forces, in the country's financial sector, in the political organizations of our country, and in our intelligence services. The Pahlavi Shah who was in charge of all the country's organizations and who had control over all the country's affairs only took orders from the English and American ambassadors. If they wished to do something, he would - willingly or unwillingly - follow their orders. In some cases, he was reluctant to follow the orders, but he had to and therefore did follow the orders. The Americans were expelled from such a strategic country in the region. This was a very important event which dealt the US a serious blow.
As is usually the case, they started to pursue their goals through their embassy in Iran. The arrogant powers usually organize harmful activities, establish relationships different people, and engage in espionage activities through their embassies. Even now, this policy is pursued in the world. The arrogant powers usually engage in various forms of corruption through their embassies. The Americans also started such activities through their embassy in Tehran. The movement of a group of students under the name of "Muslim Student Followers of the Imam's path" foiled their plot. They captured the American embassy and gained access to their documents. Currently, around one hundred books have been published in this regard. In fact, the books provide a copy of the documents which were found in the American embassy at that time. I do not know whether you have read these books or not. They are very interesting to read. Reading the books can inform you about the activities which were organized in the American embassy at that time, and the people whom the Americans were connected with in our country. You can gain information about the role which their embassy played during the years prior to the Islamic Revolution.
The students of our country led this great movement. The Americans still cannot hide their anger over this movement. Unfortunately, some capricious people - those who do something based on a whim and then change their mind to seek more comfort in their lives - from among the youth of the time, are now regretful and criticize that movement. But, you should know that this was a great movement. As Imam Khomeini said, this movement was greater than the Revolution itself. This is because the movement put an end to the American arrogance in Iran and in the world.
This great event has already taken place. That was not a small blow to them. What is more, the problems did not stop there. The continuance of our Islamic and revolutionary government, its progress, and its different achievements on various fronts - such as military, scientific, social, and political fronts - greatly influenced other nations. When other nations - the nations in this region and Muslim nations who were exasperated but did not have a leader - saw the event happen in Iran, they felt that they had t do the same thing. As a result, other nations grew fond of the Islamic Republic, Islamic leadership, Imam Khomeini (r.a.), and Islamic government. Today the situation is still the same. Today other Muslim nations - living across the world of Islam - have a very high opinion of the Iranian nation and its movement. They aspire to do what our nation did. This turned the knife in the American wound and provided the US with enough motivation to oppose the Islamic Republic. Oct 29, 2008
Our issue with the Americans is over our “existence or non-existence.”
The conflict between the Iranian nation and the US is not rooted in the current policies of the American government only. The conflict is rooted in more than 50 years of spiteful acts on the part of the US government against the nation. They have been doing these spiteful acts since the year 1953. They started to plot against our nation many years before the victory of the Revolution - especially since the movement was started by Imam Khomeini (r.a.) and the clergy - and continued their plots up to the victory of the Revolution. They continued to harm us. They continued to betray us. They continued to mount pressure on us. They resorted to various arrogant methods to harm our nation. Not a single day has passed since the victory of the Islamic Revolution - thirty years ago - in which the US government has shown any good intentions towards the Iranian nation. The US has never apologized for its past measures. It has never been sincere enough to stop being greedy and arrogant towards the Iranian nation. The conflict between our nation and the US is not limited to a couple of differences of opinion over some international or regional issues. Therefore, the conflict cannot be resolved through negotiations. It is a matter of life and death. Oct 29, 2008
The feature of rejection and acceptance, which the Islamic Republic has, is the reason for the deep animosity of the U.S.
I would like to add that the reason for the deep and irreconcilable enmity of arrogance, headed by America and the Zionist network, towards the Islamic Republic is not what is said here and there - whether the slogans that they chant or the notions that some people inside the country have. The reason for their enmity is that the Islamic Republic rejects certain things and proves certain things.
Arrogance, submission to domination, humiliation of the people by political powers in the world, political dependence, the influence and interference of dominant powers in the country, moral secularism and decadence are the things that the Islamic Republic rejects in a decisive way.
The Islamic Republic also proves certain things. National and Iranian identity, Islamic values, defense of the oppressed in the world, effort to reach and conquer the peaks of knowledge - not the effort to merely copy others on the issue of knowledge - are among the things which the Islamic Republic proves and persists in.
This rejecting and proving is the reason for the enmity of America and the global Zionist network towards the Islamic Republic. Dec 14, 2008
The U.S. is looking for renewed control over Iran.
The US pursued the goal of restoring the dominance they once had over our country during the time of the Pahlavis. They want to restore that dominance once more. That dominance and that control disappeared with the emergence of the Revolution and their hands were cut off from Iran. The goal of imposing that war, imposing sanctions, and exerting political and economic pressures was to restore that dominance. Well, they failed. And, again, it's been 40 years that they have been working hard against us, but they have not achieved a single thing. Nov 3, 2018
The Revolution ended the Pharaoh like control of the U.S. over Iran.
America ruled over our country like Pharaoh: "Truly Pharaoh elated himself in the land and broke up its people into sections, depressing a group among them. Their sons he slew, but he kept alive their females" [The Holy Quran, 28: 4]. They used to behave like this towards the people, but Musa of the time appeared and overthrew this Pharaoh and his followers. This is what the Revolution did. One year and two months after the event of Shahrivar - that is to say, in Aban of the year 1358 - the youth who followed Imam's (r.a.) line conquered America's Den of Espionage. They imprisoned the Americans with their hands tied and their eyes blindfolded. This time, Musa defeated Pharaoh like this. Now, some people ask, "Why do the Americans show hostility towards Iran?" Well, this is the reason. Iran was completely in America's fist and hands. The entire country moved with the willpower of the Americans, but Imam (r.a.) came and threw America out with the help of the people. Naturally, they should be our enemies and they should show such enmity. In the present time too, they are showing enmity. Sep 9, 2015
2- Logic Based on Historical Experience:
It was the U.S. who started the cycle of animosity
They think that we constantly push our fingers into their eyes and this is why they show enmity towards us. This is also a wrong notion. We have never begun hostilities. In the beginning of the Revolution, the Americans who had been arrested were detained for a few days. Imam (r.a.) said that they should be escorted to their own place – to their embassy – with complete protection. This continued until the event of capturing the embassy occurred. Of course, there were certain causes and reasons behind this. The Americans used to live a completely peaceful life in our country. They used to come and go easily. Of course, they behaved in a mischievous manner. It was not we who began hostilities, rather it was they who did so. Jun 14, 2016
The U.S. animosity towards Iran started in 1953...
When did the battle start? it started before the year 1343. It started from the year 1332 after the coup of the 28th of Mordad, which was staged in Iran by the Americans and resulted in the overthrow of the government of Dr. Mosaddeq. American agents openly came to Iran with suitcases filled with American dollars. Quite a few books have been written in this regard and everybody knows the names of those American agents. They came to Iran with suitcases filled with money, they bribed thugs and certain corrupt politicians of the time, they staged the coup of the 28th of Mordad in the year 1332, and they overthrew Mosaddeq's government.
The interesting point that you should know is that Mosaddeq's government, which was overthrown by the Americans, was not at all hostile towards the Americans. He had stood up against the English. He trusted the Americans. He was hoping that they would help him. He had established friendly relations with them. He would announce his affection for the Americans - and maybe his humility. The Americans did those things to such a government. It was not the case that the government which was in power in Tehran was anti-American. No, Mosaddeq's government was their friend, but their imperialist interests required that the Americans enter into an alliance with the English. They came with their suitcases filled with money and they did what they wanted to do. The main element behind the coup was an American. Everybody knows his name. I myself know very well who he was. His name has been mentioned in different books. After they had carried out the coup and returned the Shah to the country, they took every affair of our country into their own hands. They took control of the country.
Around ten years after the coup, a popular uprising took place on the 15th of Khordad, which was the beginning of revolutionary activities and Islamic resistance in the country. That is to say, for ten years, they pressured the people and beat them up. They imprisoned and executed the people. They did whatever they wanted in our country. Finally, ten years after the coup, an explosion happened on the 15th of Khordad in the year 1342. Although one side of the issue was the oppressive and taghuti Pahlavi regime, this time the Americans were supporting it. It was the Americans who strengthened the Pahlavi government and used it to control all affairs of the country. This battle continued until the year 1343. The Americans were forced to step in. Our magnanimous Imam (r.a.) was sent into exile in the year 1343. On the surface of it, they had managed to impose their will on the Iranian nation, but the Iranian nation had not been defeated.
After the autocratic government of Mohammad-Reza Pahlavi had caused thousands of tragedies in the country, after the Americans had completed their looting and invasion of Iran and achieved their expansionist goals, after tens of thousands of American "advisors" had received bribes, became wealthy, taught torture and committed thousands of crimes in Iran, the Iranian nation finally started its great movement in the year 1356 under the leadership of Imam Khomeini (r.a.). In this battle, there was no hope of victory for the enemy. The people stood up and resisted. They made sacrifices. Iranian men, women and even teenage students were killed in the streets. But finally, the Iranian nation achieved victory in the year 1357. That is to say, it was the Iranian nation that finally achieved victory in this long battle, which started from the year 1332 and continued until the year 1357. The Islamic Revolution achieved victory. The Pahlavi government, which was supported by America, was overthrown.
The old, autocratic, wicked, corrupt and dependent monarchy was annihilated and the people, the Islamic Revolution, the Islamic Republic came to power. The Americans started their hostility since the first day. They started causing disruption. The Den of Espionage - namely, the American embassy in Tehran - was the center of causing disruption, the center of hatching plots. Their responsibility was to establish connections, make threats, offer bribes, make deals and recruit weak individuals so that they could do something, but on the 13th of Aban in 1358, students stepped in as the most competent resistance forces of the Iranian nation and they captured the Den of Espionage. Once again, America failed in its plots against the Iranian nation. Oct 31, 2012
Examples of the historical U.S. animosity towards the Islamic Revolution and the Iranian nation:
Since the very beginning, the US government has treated our Revolution angrily and their tone has always been aggressive. Of course considering their calculations, they are justified in their attitude. They had full control over Iran before the Revolution. They had absolute control over our vital resources. America had carte blanche at our decision-making centers. At all our important centers, Americans could employ and fire whoever they wanted. Iran was a ranch on which Americans and American soldiers, as well as others, could graze freely. They lost all these advantages. Is it really possible for them to repress their aggressive opposition? Since the victory of the Revolution, the US government - both Republican and Democratic Presidents - treated the Islamic Republic unfairly. Everybody knows this. Inciting the few opponents of the Islamic Republic and supporting the separatist groups and terrorist acts were the first measures taken by Americans at the beginning of the Revolution. In every part of the country, in which there was a trace of a separatist movement, we discovered American involvement. Sometimes we could detect their financial support and some other times we could even spot their agents. That caused a lot of harm to our people. Unfortunately, they are still doing the same things. Mar 21, 2009
Confiscation of Iranian Assets
There are terrorist murderers in our neighboring countries that are in contact with American officers. Unfortunately, such actions are still being done. That is how their enmity started and they went on to seize Iran's properties and freeze its assets. The Pahlavi regime had given Americans incalculable amounts of money in order to get airplanes, helicopters, and weapons from them. Some of these things had been manufactured in the US. They refused to give us what they had sold to the Pahlavi regime. They also refused to give back several billion dollars that belonged to us. Surprisingly, they even stored these things in a place and charged us for the storage costs. They usurped a nation's properties, refused to return them, and charged it for the storage costs. That is how they have treated us since the beginning. The properties of the Iranian nation are still there in the US and some European countries. We asked them for many consecutive years to give back our properties on several occasions. We told them that they had already received the money for these things. They told us that these things have been manufactured under the US license and, therefore, they were not allowed to deliver them to us. They are still holding the properties of the Iranian nation. Mar 21, 2009
The green light to Saddam and helping him during the war against Iran
They gave Saddam the green light to attack our country. That was another measure taken by the US to harm our nation. If Saddam had not received the green light from the US, most probably he would not have attacked our borders. An eight-year war was imposed on our country, during which about 300,000 Iranian civilians and youth were martyred. Throughout the war, especially in the last few years, Americans supported and helped Saddam. They provided him with financial support, weapons, technical information, political assistance, satellite intelligence, and media support. They used to use their satellites to record the activities of our forces at the front. Then they used to send the information to Saddam to use them against our youth and forces. They turned a blind eye to Saddam's crimes. A tragic event took place in Halabcheh. Different cities throughout the country were targeted by missiles. Our houses were destroyed. Chemical weapons were used in the front line against us. They turned a blind eye to these crimes. They did not raise any objections. Instead, they helped Saddam. Mar 21, 2009
Shooting down our passenger airliner
Towards the end of the imposed war, our passenger plane was targeted by missiles fired from an American warship and was downed in the Persian Gulf. There were about 300 people on that plane. They were all killed. Then instead of reprimanding the officer who shot down the plane, the then US President awarded a medal to the officer. Do they really expect our nation to forget this? Could our nation ever forget this? Mar 21, 2009
Insulting the Iranian nation
They supported the terrorists who killed our men, women, and children. They supported the terrorists who killed our great religious scholars and young children. They allowed these terrorists to continue their activities from inside their country. They constantly broadcast spiteful propaganda against our country. Throughout the years, especially during the two terms of the previous US President [George Bush], all US Presidents insulted our nation whenever they started to talk nonsense about our people, our country, our government officials, and the Islamic Republic. That has been the same for many years. Mar 21, 2009
Disruption of security in our region due to animosity towards Iran
They undermined the security of the region, the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq. They flooded the region with different weapons to oppose the Islamic Republic and of course to let their arms manufacturing companies line their own pockets in the process. They provided unconditional support for the Zionist regime. That was while the US government supported the Zionist regime until the end of the war. Whenever the UN Security Council decided to pass a resolution against the Zionist regime, America intervened and supported the Zionists. Mar 21, 2009
Insulting and intimidating the Iranian nation and their officials
They used every opportunity to threaten our country. They constantly threatened us with a military attack. They said they had a military option on the table. They made many other threats. They threatened our nation every time they said something against our country. Of course these threats had no effect on our nation, but their threats demonstrated their enmity. They constantly insulted the Iranian nation, government, and President. A few years ago, an American said that the Iranian nation had to be wiped out. Recently an American official said a good Iranian is a dead Iranian. That is how they insulted our great and honorable nation, a nation that has only tried to defend its identity and independence. Mar 21, 2009
Imposing sanctions on us out of animosity
They imposed sanctions on our country for thirty years. Of course these sanctions turned out to be a blessing in disguise. We should thank Americans for the sanctions they imposed on us. If it had not been for their sanctions, we would not have achieved this level of scientific progress. These sanctions have awakened us to the realities, forcing us to grow independently. But they did not intend to do us a favor. They wanted to show their enmity. Mar 21, 2009
The U.S. is trying to rebuild its footholds in Iran
Our dear youth have not seen the Shah era. I will tell you dear youth that throughout the past 50, 60 years – during the time of the Pahlavi rule and a little before that – first the English and later on, the Americans had all the affairs of the country in their hands and they used to do whatever they wanted. For example, they brought the Pahlavi regime and Reza Khan to power. Later on, they became angry at him because of some reasons. So, they ousted him and replaced him with Mohammad Reza. In a country with this greatness and magnificence, the Americans and the English used to easily oust the head of our country and replace him with another, based on their own wishes and whims and contrary to the wishes of the people. This was their condition in Iran.
Well, how had they managed to achieve this domination? They had built some trenches in the country. First the English regime and after that – years and decades after the English domination - the American regime used to use these trenches in order to continue their domination over our country. However, the Revolution appeared and destroyed and annihilated these trenches with its own youth and in place of these trenches, it built other trenches to protect the Revolution, the Islamic Republic and national interests. They want to come and repair those ruined trenches again and to destroy the trenches that have been created by the Revolution, revolutionary individuals and the youth. This is the goal. Mar 20, 2016
The U.S. has been trying to overthrow the Islamic Republic since the beginning of the Revolution
From the beginning of the Revolution to this day, we have endured the presence of an enemy right in front of us. From the initial hours of the Revolution, this enemy revealed its presence and expressed opposition [towards the IRI]: this enemy was the government of the United States of America. From the very beginning – of course, I mean after recovering from their initial confusion, following days when they had no clue as to what was going on – they began to oppose us and show their hostility. To this day, while we speak, the Americans [from the USA] have employed numerous plots, methods, and means of deception aimed at striking the Islamic Republic. Indeed, there is no hostile method that they haven't tried against the Islamic Republic!
They organized military coups; they provoked ethnic groups to turn against one another; they provoked Saddam into attacking and fighting against Iran. During the war [8-year Holy Defense War], they supported Saddam in various ways, and they imposed sanctions on us. The US government powers used their influence against Iran within the UN: they launched propaganda campaigns, day and night, and they used their knack for mischievous planning to further their goals [against Iran]. They used their Hollywood industry to make anti-Iranian films – and not just one or two. The USA launched military moves in various strategic regions: they shot down our passenger plane and attacked some of our centers in the Persian Gulf. The USA government has maneuvered all sorts of schemes against the Islamic Republic: they have mounted security, political, economic, propaganda, cultural and various kinds of oppositional operations.
And the purpose of all their [USA's] maneuvering was to overthrow the Iranian government. If today, this idea [to overthrow] is being echoed in the statements of American officials, this is not a new concept: this was their goal since day one [of the revolution]. Their previous president [Barak Obama] who kept announcing that their goal is not to plot a coup, he even pursued a goal to overthrow [Iran's governing body]; of course, his motives were completely transparent. May 23, 2018
The first government to seriously oppose the Iranian people's movement was the U.S.
The first political system and government that began to act against our people in a serious was America. Of course, there were some other governments as well. Such governments too were perhaps dissatisfied with the condition that arose in Iran, but they did not react strongly. Some governments were perhaps pleased, but the U.S. government was not satisfied with expressing its concern only. In the first months after the victory of the Revolution, the United States Senate issued a strict resolution against the Islamic Republic of Iran, thus beginning its enmity in practice. This was while the U.S. embassy was still open in Iran.
In the first months after the victory of the Revolution, the United States Senate issued a strict resolution against the Islamic Republic of Iran, thus beginning its enmity in practice.
Those people who think that establishing close and friendly relations with America will immunize us against his harm should refer to this historical experience: the U.S. embassy was still open in Iran. The Americans were comfortably coming and going inside the country. The Revolution did not cause the Americans to leave Iran. Like other governments, they had an embassy. They had certain agents and officials. They were living peacefully in Iran, but at that time, the U.S. government showed its enmity towards the Revolution. Besides, it hosted Mohammad Reza who was the definite enemy of the people of Iran. They took and kept him in America. In fact, they gave refuge to the enemy of the people of Iran.
Well, the response and reaction to this move was the move that was made by students. They went and captured the U.S. embassy and it became clear that that embassy was a Den of Espionage. It became clear in the first months after the victory of the Revolution that that place was a center of hatching plots against the Revolution. This was shown and proved through the documents that were published later on from inside the U.S. embassy. Nov 3, 2015
3- Political and Diplomatic Logic
Fruitless and harmful
Political relations are detrimental to us. First of all, it does not diminish the possibility of an American military attack. The US attacked Iraq while it had diplomatic and political relations with it. Both governments had ambassadors in one another's countries. [Diplomatic] Relations do not protect a country against the expansionist and lunatic danger of any power. Second, the establishment of relations has always served as a tool for the US to infiltrate the groups who are liable to mercenary tendencies. The English also acted similarly. For many years, English embassies have been the centre of establishing relationships with stupid people of the nation: those who were prepared to betray their own country. Embassies are there to perform this function among many other functions.
They are faced with this vacuum in Iran. They need a base, but they lack it. That is what they want. They need to have their secret agents and the members of intelligence services circulate freely in the country so that they can establish their unlawful relations with those mercenary and stupid elements. But they lack this. Relations provide this for them. But there are some gentlemen who sit around and prattle on about the harm that the lack of relations may bring us. I would disagree: lack of these relations is beneficial to us. The day these relations are perceived to be beneficial, I will be the first person to encourage their establishment. Jan 3, 2008
The U.S. government's untrustworthiness
The government of the Islamic Republic cannot interact with the US. Why is that? It is because the US does not fulfill its own commitments. You cannot say that recent actions are just now carried out by the current US government and Trump. No. Even the previous administration--which held talks with Iran and whose Secretary of State participated in the European meetings for 10, 15 days-- was very similar to the present administration. Of course, they behaved differently, but they violated their commitments: they imposed sanctions as well. They [Obama admin.] acted against their commitments, too. The US government always goes against its commitments: this is not their first time around; events from the past confirm this.
All their [USA's] infringements against the JCPOA – as our diplomats say – violations to the body and soul of the Bar-Jaam. This [aforementioned] has been acknowledged by our honorable diplomats – who made this great effort and worked day and night for the JCPOA – on numerous occasions, during the term of the current US administration and the previous one as well. The officials said that the JCPOA has been violated; sometimes, the USA violated its soul, and, sometimes, they violated its body [framework].
Well, it is clear that, at least, the Islamic Republic cannot interact with a government that violates international treaties so easily and later on erases its signature, as if nothing happened, and then says that it wants to withdraw. They signed it with dramatic TV appearances, showing off the signature signing event, just to abandon the treaty. So, for those who kept asking us, many times: "Why are you not negotiating with the US, why are you not working with the US?"--There is an answer to your question! Of course, the US government behaves the same towards many other countries; it behaves the same exact way towards many other governments: we do not want to get into this subject. The Islamic Republic, at the least, cannot interact and work with the US government: this is the first experience we should learn from.
Iran was the committed and loyal party to this treaty: they [USA] have no excuse [for abandoning it]: the International Atomic Energy Agency has confirmed this, many times. Others have confirmed that Iran has been strongly committed. They [USA] have no excuse! Nonetheless, you have all witnessed them easily violate this international treaty. They violated their own signature: they took back their own words and said they do not agree with it. Well, one cannot negotiate with such a [fickle] government. It is not possible to trust, work with or sign an agreement with such a capricious government. May 23, 2018
A 180-degree difference in regional politics
As we have said many times, we have no negotiations with America on different global and regional issues. We have no bilateral negotiations with America. Sometimes, we have negotiated with them in exceptional cases such as the nuclear issue and we have done so because of our interests. The nuclear issue was not the only case. There were other cases as well which I have referred to in my previous public speeches. The American policies in the region are 180 degrees the opposite of the policies of the Islamic Republic. The Americans accuse Hezbollah and the Lebanese Resistance - who are the most self-sacrificing forces in their country in the area of national defense - of terrorism. There is no injustice worse than this. This is while they support the terrorist child-killing government of Zionism. How can one do business, negotiate and reach an agreement with such a policy? There are other cases as well. Jul 18, 2015
Not being a part of the U.S. scheme and plan
Reason dictates that we respond to them with wisdom and with acumen, by taking the necessary precautions and by refusing to be deceived by them, to get close to their plot zone and to enter the arena that they have drawn. They very much like to sit and cooperate with Iran on issues related to the West Asia region – a region comprised of countries like Syria, Lebanon and other such countries – and they have said this openly. But we do not wish to do so. Their problem is Iran’s presence. They want to negotiate with the purpose of putting an end to Iran’s presence. So, what should we negotiate about? They say that Iran should not be present in this region at all. This is their problem and they want to solve it. Why should we help them resolve that problem? On the contrary, we do not want America to be present in that region. Therefore, this is what reason dictates. Jul 2, 2016
Our retreat would not make the U.S. change its destructive role
This experience is that if we compromise with America, he will not stop playing his destructive role. We experienced this during the nuclear negotiations. We held meetings with the 5+1 committee, and we even negotiated with the Americans separately on the nuclear matter. Our brothers and our diligent officials reached some agreements and results. The other side – America – made some commitments. The Islamic Republic fulfilled its commitments, but that untrustworthy, unreliable, and dishonest side is going back on their promises! The U.S. has continued to break their promises until today! Very well, then, this is an experience. However, on the issue of the Bar-Jaam, something was proved to be true and that is the fact that the Americans are showing enmity towards us. They are showing enmity towards us. This enmity is being shown not only by the U.S. Congress – which is playing the role of Shimr [the cursed person who murdered Imam Hussain (pbuh)] – but also by the U.S. administration. These people who do not play the role of Shimr are also showing enmity towards us. However, their manner of showing enmity is different from the U.S. Congress. But they are showing enmity anyway. This has become clear. Jul 2, 2016
Agreement with the U.S. means accepting all of its impositions
Getting along with America is not like getting along with any other government. This is because the American government enjoys wealth, large propaganda apparatuses, dangerous weapons and many resources. So naturally, getting along with America means accepting the impositions of that government. This is the nature of reaching an agreement with America.
This is the case everywhere in the world. When other countries reach an agreement with America over any matter, this means that they retreat from their positions to the advantage of the other side while the other side does not make any noteworthy retreat to their advantage. In the case of the recent nuclear agreement too, the same situation existed although we approved of it and although we believed in and continue to believe in those who conducted the negotiations.
In certain cases, our honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs said to us that they failed to keep certain red lines. This is what it means: when a government like the U.S. government has propaganda means, resources, money, active diplomacy and different agents throughout the world, the governments that it pressures are at its disposal. Getting along with him means compromising and forgetting about some of the things that one insists on. This is a dilemma that they want to inject into the minds of our people on the basis of American policies. It is a forced dilemma and an unavoidable duality: either we have to get along with America and her demands or we have to endure her pressures, her threats and the losses that we will suffer as a result of opposing America.
So, those who hope that we will sit and talk to America on such and such an issue with the purpose of reaching an agreement – which means that both we and the other side make certain promises – ignore the fact that we will have to fulfill all of our commitments- the other side will refuse to do so through different means and methods and that he will not fulfill the promises that he has made. This is what we are witnessing in front of our eyes! This means a complete loss! Mar 20, 2016
In negotiations, the U.S. uses deception, lies and doesn't adhere to its promises
However, I have serious concerns which result from the other side's deceitfulness, lies and tendency to go back on its promises and move in the wrong direction. The other side is like this.
One example is their behavior in the nuclear negotiations. A few hours after our negotiators concluded their negotiations with them, the White House issued a proclamation to explain the results of the negotiations. The proclamation that they issued - they refer to it as a "fact sheet" - was wrong about many things. That is to say, their interpretation of the negotiations and the agreements that have been made is a flawed, wrong and false interpretation.
I have never been optimistic about negotiations with America. This pessimism is not based on an illusion- rather- it is based on experience. We have experienced this. If one day - when we are no longer around - you have access to the details of these events and to the writings about these days, you will definitely see how we gained this experience. Apr 9, 2015
For the Americans, negotiating means imposing
Our past experiences show that in the logic of the American gentlemen, negotiation does not mean sitting down together to try to reach a rational solution. This is not what they mean by negotiation. What they mean is that we should sit down together and talk so that Iran accepts their views. The goal has been announced in advance: Iran must accept their view. For this reason, we have always announced that this is not negotiation. This is imposition and Iran will not give in to imposition. I am not optimistic about these statements, but I am not opposed either. Mar 21, 2013
It is impossible to talk with someone who is illogical
They say that they want to negotiate and resolve their issues with Iran. This is what they say. But in practice, they resort to imposing sanctions and broadcasting negative propaganda. They publish inappropriate and false things about the Islamic Republic and the people of Iran. American politicians make irrational statements. One cannot use logic when he speaks to an irrational person - after all, he is irrational. Irrational means thuggish. It means somebody who speaks nonsense. This is a fact which we have become aware of through our involvement in different global issues. We understand who our opposing side is and how he should be confronted. Feb 16, 2013
It is impossible to talk with someone who is illogical
There is no doubt that there are such centers in the country. In spite of all these measures, the Americans shout the slogan of negotiations. They impose unilateral sanctions, issue resolutions and make military threats, but at the same time they propose negotiations. They constantly say that they are prepared to negotiate with Iran. None of these actions by the opposing camp are new.
It is not acceptable if one side of negotiations threatens and pressurizes the other side like imperialists, imposes sanctions and shows an iron fist and at the same time says that the two sides should sit at a table and negotiate. This does not qualify as negotiations. We will not engage in this kind of negotiations with anyone. Therefore, America has always entered the arena of negotiations in this way. Aug 18, 2010
Negotiating under threat and pressure is not negotiation.
It is not acceptable if one side of negotiations threatens and pressurizes the other side like imperialists, imposes sanctions and shows an iron fist and at the same time says that the two sides should sit at a table and negotiate. This does not qualify as negotiations. We will not engage in this kind of negotiations with anyone. Therefore, America has always entered the arena of negotiations in this way. The Islamic Republic will not give in to such pressures, and it will respond to every pressure in its own way. If they do not resort to bullying and step down from the ladder of imperialism - which is a rotten ladder - we will not have problems with negotiations. But negotiations are impossible as long as they behave like that. Aug 18, 2010
The U.S. does not truly seek to negotiate
We are ready for negotiations, but not with America. The reason is that unlike ordinary negotiators, America does not enter into negotiations in an honest fashion. America enters into negotiations the way an imperialist does.
We will not negotiate with any country that makes an imperialist gesture. They should put aside their imperialist tendencies. They should put aside threats. They should put aside sanctions. They should not assume a predetermined outcome for negotiations. Several years ago in a public address in Shiraz, I announced that we have not sworn not to negotiate for ever. We do not negotiate because of the consequences. We do not negotiate just because they are not real negotiators. They only want to bully us. They are like the thug who enters a shop and asks, "How much is this jar of honey?" The shopkeeper replies, "100 tomans." Then the thug grabs the shopkeeper and twists his arm. The poor shopkeeper is understandably intimidated and says, "The price is whatever you say!" The bully says, "30 tomans." The shopkeeper says, "30 tomans it is!" What kind of bargaining is this? They may twist the arm of other countries and force them to give in to their demands, but they cannot do this to the Islamic Republic. Aug 18, 2010
The Americans chant slogans of change, but in practice they don't change anything
When we want to make decisions about important issues, we do not act on the basis of our emotions. We do not make emotional decisions. We make our decisions on the basis of rational calculations. They invite us to negotiate and form relations with them. They shout slogans of change. Where is the change you are talking about? What is it that has changed? Clarify this for us. What is it exactly that has changed? Has your enmity towards the Iranian nation changed? Where are the signs of this change? Have you released the assets of the Iranian nation? Have you lifted the unfair sanctions? Have you stopped slandering, negative propaganda, and allegations against our great nation and its populist government officials? Have you given up your unconditional support for the Zionist regime? What is it that has changed? They only change their slogans while their actions remain the same. We have not seen any changes. Mar 21, 2009
If the U.S. stops its arrogant behavior, it will be like other governments [to us].
The day America stops being arrogant and interfering in other nations' affairs, it will be a government just like other governments in the world. We will also consider it an ordinary government. But as long as Americans cherish dreams of returning to their happy days in Iran and as long as they try to dominate us, they will not at all be able to force our nation to retreat. They should know this. Nov 3, 2009
Compromising with the U.S. won't solve the country's problems
They say that if we get along with America, the problems of the country will be solved. Well, we can give tens of reasons why this notion is wrong. This is a false and deceitful statement. Compromising with America will not solve the problems of the country in any way. Not only will it not solve economic, political, security and moral problems, but it will also worsen them as well.
There are 10, 15 reasons that one can count and list for this issue. The last one is the issue of the Bar-Jaam.
First of all, the other side are liars, deceitful, untrustworthy and back-stabbing. At the same time that they are giving something with one hand, they – as they themselves say – hold a stone in the other hand to strike the head of the opposing party. The other side is comprised of such people. Second, is America supposed to solve the problems of the people of Iran? America itself is suffering from crises! Why do they not say this? This is being said by all important organizations in the world that have a say on such issues. This is being said by the Americans themselves. America is suffering from crises. It has economic, international, political and moral crises. America itself has crises. Today, the debts of the U.S. government are almost equal the gross domestic product of the entire U.S.! This is a sign of crisis and this is being said by economists.
They say that whenever a government’s debts get close to its GDP, that government is in crisis and that economy is a crisis-stricken economy. Today, America is like this. Its debts are close to 60-plus percent of its GDP. Now, whom does it want to help? On the contrary, it wants to suck up others’ resources so that it can fix itself. So, will it come to help the economy of another country? These were the reasons for the inaccuracy of the second notion in terms of economy. Nov 2, 2016
The JCPOA became an experience
Sometimes, the enemies create some obstacles. It is a wise course of action for us to go and eliminate these obstacles with acumen. But the enemy cannot be trusted. One example of this is the nuclear negotiations and the Bar-Jaam [JCPOA]. Today, the officials in charge of our own diplomacy and those who were present in the nuclear negotiations from the first day to the last are saying that America has broken its promises. With its calm appearance and with the soft and glib tongue of its officials, America is damaging us from behind the scene. It is preventing our country from establishing economic relations with other countries. This is being said by the officials in charge of the Bar-Jaam. Of course, this is something that I have been repeatedly saying since a year, a year and a half ago. I have been saying that the Americans cannot be trusted. It was difficult for some individuals to accept this, but today, our officials themselves are saying this.
Just last week, our honorable negotiators had a meeting with the other sides in Europe. Our officials said the same things to them and they had nothing to say in response. Our negotiators said to them that they have broken such and such promises, that they have committed such and such wrongdoings, that they have failed to do what they were supposed to do and that they have stabbed us in the back in such and such ways, but they had nothing to say in response. Six months have passed since the Bar-Jaam was signed, but no tangible and palpable effect has been witnessed in the living conditions of the people. This is while the goal of the Bar-Jaam was to lift the sanctions. Its goal was to lift the oppressive sanctions. Was its goal something other than this? Well, those sanctions have not been lifted.
Now, they are saying that things are becoming better gradually and little by little. Was the issue about little by little? On that day, officials said both to us and to the people that in the negotiations, the goal is to lift the sanctions at once when Iran fulfils its commitments. In other words, the goal was to eliminate the obstacle that America had created on the path of the people of Iran in an oppressive and vicious manner. Now, six months have passed from that day, but that obstacle has not been eliminated yet. Is six months a short time for an eighty-million country? During these six months, if it had not been for this American viciousness, would the honorable administration have done little work?
The Bar-Jaam became an example and an experience for us. Last year – it was last year or a year and a half ago: I do not remember the exact date – I said in a public speech that that the Bar-Jaam and the nuclear negotiations will serve as an example for us to see what the Americans do [Supreme Leader’s speech delivered on April 9, 2015, in a meeting with the panegyrists of Ahlul Bayt]. I said that we should see what these people - who use soft and glib words, who sometimes write a letter to show their respect and their cooperation and who speak to officials with a glib tongue in consultative meetings and in negotiations – do in practice.
Now, it has become clear what they do in practice! On the face of it, they give promises and they speak with a soft and glib tongue, but in practice, they hatch plots, damage us and prevent the progress of our affairs. This is America and this is an experience. In the present time, the Americans are asking us to go and speak to them about regional matters. Well, this experience tells us that this is a deadly poison for us.
This experience showed us that we cannot speak to them, on any matter, like a trustworthy party. Sometimes, you speak to your enemy, but you do it with an enemy who is committed to his statements so much so that you can be sure that he will not violate his promises and his commitments with any excuse. You can speak to this enemy. However, when it is proved that the enemy is malicious, one that has no scruples about breaking his promises, that smiles and speaks with a soft and glib tongue, and that justifies his actions when you ask him why he has broken his promises, then you should know that it is not possible to negotiate with this enemy. The reason why I have been repeating for many years that we will not negotiate with America is this. Aug 1, 2016
The problem with negotiations is that they deviate you from your correct path
Our problems with America and the likes of America on this matter, on regional matters and on various other matters are not solved through negotiations. We ourselves should choose a path and then take it. You should make the enemy to run after you. You should make him to run after you.
The officials of our political and diplomatic affairs are explicitly saying that the Americans want to take everything, but give nothing in return! If you take one step backwards, they take one step forward. When we constantly say that we will not negotiate, some people say, “What is wrong with negotiations?” Well, this is the problem with negotiations. Such negotiations will make you deviate from your correct path and they will take concessions away from you. When you negotiate, this means that you should give a concession and get another in return. This is the meaning of negotiations. Negotiation does not mean gathering somewhere to engage in a friendly chat and to tell jokes. Negotiation means giving something and taking something else in return. However, he takes from you what you should give, but refuses to give what he should give to you. He acts in a bullying manner.
“Arrogant” means this. “Global arrogance” means this. It means bullying, considering oneself as superior, refusing to be committed to one’s promises and regarding oneself as free of any commitment. This is the meaning of arrogance. Arrogant individuals go back on their promises. Well, our magnanimous Imam (r.a.) said that America is the Great Satan. This description is really an excellent description. Allah the Exalted quotes satan saying to those who followed him, “And Satan will say when the matter is decided, ‘It was Allah Who gave you a promise of truth. I too promised, but I failed in my promise to you” [The Holy Quran, 14: 22]. On Judgment Day, Satan says to his followers, “God gave you a true and genuine promise, but you did not follow His promise and you did not stick to it. I gave you a false promise and you followed me! I broke my promise to you. I gave you a promise and I violated it.”
Satan blames his followers on Judgment Day like this. Then, Allah the Exalted quotes Satan saying to his followers, “Then reproach not me, but reproach your own souls” [The Holy Quran, 14: 22]. He says to them that they should blame themselves, not him. In the present time, this is completely true in the case of America. Satan says this on Judgment Day, and the Americans say it today in this world. They give promises, but they do not act on them. They take a concession that is in cash, but they do not give the one that is on credit. This is America’s condition. Aug 1, 2016
The U.S. will not make any concessions
Some people think that negotiating with the US solves the problems of the country. This is a grave mistake. They are one hundred percent wrong! The other side considers Iran’s accepting and sitting at the negotiating table as bringing the Islamic Republic to its knees. It wants to say that they have finally managed to bring Iran to its knees with severe sanctions until it agreed to sit at the negotiating table with them. It wants to say this to the whole world. It wants to prove that the “maximum pressure” policy is a correct policy that has worked because it has succeeded in bringing the Islamic Republic to the negotiating table. And I will tell you that it wants to say that the US gave no concessions to the Islamic Republic. Nov 3, 2019
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