The endorsement took place in the Imam Khomeini (ra) Hussainiyah on July 28, 2024, during a ceremony attended by government and military officials, families of martyrs, and resident ambassadors.
After granting the endorsement decree to Mr. Pezeshkian, Imam Khamenei hailed the fourteenth presidential election as a significant triumph for the Iranian nation in an important test. “Despite the atmosphere of public sorrow caused by the death of our martyred president, The 14th presidential election was admirable as it was a calm, healthy, competitive election, and rivals showed a moral behavior toward the president-elect after the elections,” he remarked.
The Leader reflected on the emergence of democracy, competition, and integrity in the country as a direct outcome of the nation’s uprising and revolution in response to the dire conditions of the past. “From the very first day of the [Revolution’s] victory, Imam Khomeini (ra) resolutely established the unprecedented involvement, presence, and influence of the people in the administration of the country,” he added.
Elsewhere in his speech, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution referred to the issue of Gaza, describing it as a global matter. He emphasized, “There was a time when the subject of Palestine was solely a concern for Islamic countries. [But] today, the issue of Palestine and Gaza have become a general, global concern. From inside the US Congress to the United Nations, the Paris Olympics, and everywhere else, this issue is currently gaining attention and spreading [worldwide].”
Imam Khamenei condemned the barbaric actions of the usurping Zionist regime, describing it as a gang of criminals, murderers, and terrorists. “The Zionist regime is not a government. They're a gang of criminals. They’re a gang of murderers. They’re a gang of terrorists. In their acts of terrorism, cruelty, and crime, they’ve reached a new level in their shocking crimes in the history of human criminality in the world,” he asserted.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution highlighted the martyrdom of countless infants, children, hospital patients, and women in Gaza, stating, “The heavy bombs of the Zionists are being dropped on those who have not even fired a single bullet.”
In the continuation of his speech, Imam Khamenei emphasized the necessity for the government to be active in various matters, particularly in foreign policy. “In the face of global waves and events, particularly regional issues and political matters, as well as scientific advancements like artificial intelligence, you need to confront these issues with an active, effective approach instead of reacting passively,” he stated.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution emphasized that neglecting global and regional events is unacceptable, adding that, “Whenever something happens, we take a stance regarding it. We should express this position clearly, explicitly, and with strength and dignity so that the world understands what Islamic Iran has to say on the issue.”
During the ceremony, Imam Khamenei also paid tribute to the late Iranian Foreign Minister, Martyr Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who lost his life in a tragic helicopter crash alongside former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in May. The Leader commended Martyr Amir-Abdollahian for his exceptional skills as a diplomat and negotiator, emphasizing the importance of continuing his work and endeavors.
In outlining the country’s foreign policy priorities, the Leader highlighted the importance of working diligently to strengthen ties with neighboring countries. Additionally, he emphasized the need to foster relationships with countries in Africa and Asia, which, he asserted, can broaden Iran's diplomatic reach.
Another foreign policy priority that Imam Khamenei identified was expressing appreciation for and strengthening ties with countries that have stood by Iran over the years during challenging times, offering both diplomatic and economic support.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution pointed out that the exclusion of European countries from Iran’s foreign policy priorities does not imply signify opposition or animosity. He underscored that this is due to their historical bad conduct toward Iran in matters such as sanctions and oil. “If these countries refrain from misbehavior, we will prioritize relations with them as well. However, there are a few countries whose hostile conduct will not be forgotten,” he added.
Referring to the continuous increase in the power of the Resistance, Imam Khamenei stated, “Despite all the support it’s receiving from the United States and a number of treacherous governments, the Zionist enemy has been unable to cripple or defeat the Resistance Forces. The goal they had announced was to eliminate Hamas. [But] today, Hamas along with [Palestinian Islamic] Jihad and the Resistance as a whole in Palestine stand strong with full power.”
Imam Khamenei denounced the US Congress’s action of convening to listen to the words of the criminal Prime Minister of the Zionist regime as a great stain of shame. “The world must make a more serious decision in response to this tragedy. Governments, nations, intellectuals, and political figures in various fields must truly come to a decision,” he asserted.
