Ayatollah Khamenei the Leader of the Islamic Revolution delivered a public address on the occasion of 13th of Rajab, which marks the auspicious birth anniversary of Imam Ali (a.s.). His Eminence referred to the extraordinary personality and the extremely prominent and high position of the Commander of the Faithful among different sects of Islam. He also talked abut the unique capacity of this personality to serve as the pivot of Muslim unity. The Leader of the Islamic Revolution also raised important points regarding the importance of nuclear technology and the future Iran-Europe negotiations.
His Eminence extended his congratulations on the birth anniversary of Imam Ali (a.s.) to all Muslims and those who seek justice as well as the oppressed, living in various parts of the world. He said that Imam Ali belongs to all Muslims, further adding: "While fomenting discord among Muslims is a plot that is currently being carried out by the enemies, Imam Ali (a.s.) - whose unique status is acknowledged by all the Islamic sects, including the Shia and the Sunni - can serve as the manifestation of unity and solidarity among Muslims."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution stressed the need for closely following the lifestyle and advice of Imam Ali (a.s.) as well as preserving affection and reverence for him. "Justice was the most prominent slogan that was practically promoted by Imam Ali (a.s.). Therefore, as the followers of that Imam we must put justice high on our agenda in the Islamic system," he said.
Ayatollah Khamenei also added that seeking justice must turn into a prevalent cultural norm among the Iranian people and that the Iranian nation must seek justice in internal and global affairs.
His Eminence referred to relying on divine assistance and forming a strong relationship with the Almighty as the main prerequisite for the administration of justice, adding that one must make the most of the worship opportunities provided by such months as Rajab, Sha'ban, and Ramadan.
Advising all people, especially the youth, to benefit from the significant teachings of the al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya in these days, Ayatollah Khamenei reiterated that Rajab is the month of turning back to God and the month in which one must try to become similar to the Commander of the Faithful.
Elsewhere in his speech, the Leader referred to the pressures and hardships facing the Iranian nation as resistance for the sake of Islam and insistence on remaining independent. He added: "In order to maintain its glory and independence, the Iranian nation must strengthen its already strong will, as it has always stood up to bullying and greed with strong determination during the last 30 years."
His Eminence said that superpowers have always tried to threaten nations in order to force them to get out of their way and said: "This method has proven to be effective with the governments that do not rely on their people. But the use of threats cannot force a government that relies on the votes, emotions, and faith of the people to withdraw."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution touched upon the great nuclear achievement of the Iranian nation and added: "In order to achieve this historic accomplishment, our nation did not get any assistance from anybody. That is because this technology has been indigenized, and it has been gained through the efforts, enthusiasm, and talent of the Iranian youth and the insight of the government officials."
He also stressed that the nuclear accomplishment belongs to the entire Iranian nation and that no one will ever be able to deprive the Iranian nation of this technology and this right.
Ayatollah Khamenei said that the Iranian makes a distinction between those who deny the nation the achievement of nuclear technology out of spite and those who respect it, observe its rights, and seek to negotiate with it about different issues, especially the nuclear issue.
His Eminence referred to the agreement on the part of Iran to start negotiations with Europe and stressed: "The negotiations will proceed successfully only when the atmosphere of the negotiations is not dominated by threats. Europeans have to pay attention to the point that it is the Iranian nation that they are negotiating with. The Iranian nation is a valiant nation that does not like threats and is not going to give in to any threats."
Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that the government officials of the country are handling the nuclear issue wisely and added: "The National Security Council is in charge of the nuclear issue and is presided over by the esteemed president. Whatever the president and the officials in charge of the nuclear issue say is also approved by all the government officials. And the heads of the three government branches and my representatives are pursuing this issue in the National Security Council with wisdom and commitment."
His Eminence also stressed: "The stance of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the red lines of the Iranian nation are absolutely clear. And if the negotiators work within this framework, our government officials will negotiate with them providing that nobody threatens the Iranian nation."
He reiterated that any act of stupidity against the Islamic Republic will be faced with a strong response.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution added: "The fact that the American government and the Zionist regime say some things in order to paper over their numerous internal problems is up to them, but if they commit an act of stupidity in practice, they have to know that the Iranian nation will cut off the hand that encroaches on the rights of the dear Islamic Republic of Iran. It makes no difference for the Iranian nation whether this hand belongs to a government or not."
"The idea that the US president may take a [military] measure in the remaining months of his term in office and leave the trouble to the next administration is wrong because if someone takes a measure, the Iranian nation will prosecute and punish him even when he is not in office," His Eminence said.
Stressing the fact that the Iranian nation will not be disappointed for a moment in divine favor and assistance, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution said: "The Iranian nation is a determined, enthusiastic, and hopeful nation, and there are bright prospects for the Islamic Republic."