In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
All praise is due to God, Lord of the Worlds; and may peace and greetings be upon our Master and our Prophet, Muhammad; and upon his pure, untainted, chosen Progeny; particularly the Remnant of God on earth.
I wish to extend a very warm welcome to the dear people of Tabriz and Azerbaijan, especially the youth and the families of the martyrs. The presence of such a large number of young people, who have taken these firm steps from Azerbaijan to this Hussainiyah, bears the good tidings of a " connection of generations" between all past and present generations of the Revolution era in the city of Tabriz and in Azerbaijan. This is one of the greatest distinctions of your city and your province.
Over the course of time during the era of the Revolution, whenever I have traveled to Tabriz or other cities in Azerbaijan, I’ve felt that there was a particular distinction – a certain superiority – in the feelings, outlook, and perspective of these people. It’s something that is seen less frequently elsewhere. That very event which took place on the 29th of Bahman, 1356 (Feb. 18, 1978), is a historical marker that mustn’t be forgotten at all. Knowing what is needed at the time, taking timely action, and self-sacrifice are among the defining features of that event. May God’s mercy be upon the late Friday Prayer Leader of that city, the late Mr. Ale-Hashem (may God be pleased with him), who correctly explained and articulated these characteristics in one of our meetings. I too have witnessed and seen those characteristics firsthand.
Let me speak of my main recommendation at the outset. Don’t lose this sense of strategic timing; don’t relinquish this ability to be present at the critical moment. This is a profound merit. Azerbaijan is full of life and vibrant. A nation that’s full of life and spirited never falls victim to political games and the various stratagems of its enemies. Praise God, you have maintained this discernment of time and circumstances. This year on the 22nd of Bahman, among the reports that I received, [it was written that] all cities saw an increased turnout, with the numbers doubling in Tabriz.
My dear ones! Our meeting this year, and today’s gathering in particular, is an exceptional meeting. It’s different from other years. This was a strange year. It was a year in which the Iranian nation showed, revealed, and displayed its greatness, its determination, its firm resolve, and its capabilities in several stages and on several occasions – from the 12-Day War up to these recent days.
Of course, we’re also nearing the month of Ramadan now. These too are blessed days. This year, the people of our country – including you, the dear, determined, zealous people of Azerbaijan – have been able to make Iran proud. You’ve been able to bring glory to your country. When I say you [have been able to] make it proud, this isn’t merely a figure of speech. It’s what our country's officials who travel to other countries for political matters report to us. They say that today, Iran has gained a special prominence in the eyes of the politicians they meet and speak with about Iran. This is due to these acts of resistance and these demonstrations of strength.
I would like to speak about two topics today. One is regarding the sedition that took place about a month or 40 days ago. This must be discussed and analyzed. Of course, I did speak about this a few days ago, but I will speak briefly about it again today. However, the analysts and the intellectuals must work on this. I will also say a few words about the US. It’s a system that is truly in decline. It’s an empire that’s heading toward a collapse.
Regarding this sedition, let me tell you in one sentence. My dear ones! What took place was a "coup" that was defeated. It wasn’t the case that we could think that a group of young or old people became angry somewhere, made a move, took action, staged a protest, or rioted. No, it was much more than that. It was a coup attempt, but this coup was crushed under the feet of the Iranian nation.
In summary, what happened is the following. The intelligence and espionage apparatuses of the US and Occupied Palestine – that is, the illegitimate Zionist regime – together with the help of the intelligence services of certain other countries - some of which are known to us – had over time sought out individuals with malicious intent or criminal backgrounds within our country. They had recruited them, given them money and weaponry, and trained them in acts of sabotage. They [the intelligence agencies] had instructed them on how to infiltrate military and government centers, and then they had sent them [back] into Iran to wait for the right opportunity. Whenever an opportunity arose, they were to start their work. Their task was to influence a number of naive people – young or old, to make them angry, and to incite them to enter into dangerous arenas.
This opportunity arose for them. About a month and a half ago, they entered the field and pushed these simple-minded, inexperienced youths to the front lines. Where did they push them toward? Toward sensitive sites: military centers, infrastructure facilities, fuel depots, and other sensitive military and governmental centers. They pushed them toward these places, and they themselves entered the field armed with various weapons. They had handguns, personal firearms, rifles, grenades, and so on. Their plan was for the movement to be violent and reckless – like the actions of Daesh [ISIS]. They had decided to act with brutality. That’s why they burned people alive, they killed children in their fathers’ arms, and they committed acts of extreme violence. And unfortunately, a number of our fellow citizens were killed and passed away as a result of their actions.
What was their goal? Their goal was to weaken and destabilize the foundations of the system. They wanted to seize sensitive centers, take over the IRIB, and other such things. That’s what they intended to do. The law enforcement forces, the Basij, the IRGC, and many young people - who were neither part of the Basij nor the IRGC - stood up against them. Some confronted them empty-handed, and some were martyred. But what happened in the end? In the end, whether the enemy wants to admit to this reality or not, this coup - which they had orchestrated inside the country with so much effort, expense, and planning - was foiled. It was defeated. It was dismantled. This is what happened, and it’s an important matter. It wasn’t a minor event.
Well, what happened was the defeat of the enemy and the triumph of the Iranian nation. This is clear and evident. After that came the extraordinary rallies on the 22nd of Dey [Jan. 12, 2026] and then on the 22nd of Bahman [Feb. 11, 2026], where this massive, surging sea of people was truly a divine sign. This is one tactic, and there are other tactics as well. Now, I don't want to speak in absolute terms, but I will say this that the Iranian nation, which has been able to emerge victorious in the face of the enemy's malice and conspiracies in this way, must now safeguard that victory. This can be achieved through readiness, vigilance, and national unity.
But blood was shed. Blood was spilled on the ground, and we’re in mourning. We’re grieving because of the blood that was shed. Some of those killed were themselves the corrupt elements, the seditionists, and those attempting to stage a coup. They were people whom death did not grant a reprieve and they went to the lowest depths of Hell. Their reckoning is with God. We have nothing to say about them. But there were others who weren’t like them. There were three groups [of people], or three categories. I categorize those killed and those who lost their lives into three groups. One group consisted of the forces safeguarding [the nation’s] security and the health of the system. This includes the law enforcement forces, the Basij and IRGC forces, as well as those who were active beside them. They were martyred. They are among the highest of martyrs. That is the first group. Another group were bystanders. When a seditionist incites sedition in a city, it’s not just those who confront them who are killed. Innocent people were walking in the streets, heading to work, or returning home, and some of those people were also martyred. They’re martyrs too because they were killed in the enemy’s sedition. No matter where the bullet came from, this happened in the midst of the enemy’s sedition, and those individuals are martyrs. These people in the second group are martyrs as well. The third group were people who were deceived, who acted naively, or who were inexperienced and joined the seditionists. I want to say that they’re part of us as well. They’re our children. Some of them later felt regret. Some wrote letters to me saying, “We went out into the streets that day, and this and that happened. Please forgive us.” They weren’t even in prison. They were free, but they felt regret. They had made a mistake. Those in this group who were killed were also recognized by the authorities as martyrs, and that was the right thing to do. So, the circle of those whom we count as martyrs among those who were killed is a wide circle. Aside from the instigators of the sedition, the ringleaders, and those who received money and weaponry from the enemy – apart from them, everyone else – whether they were among the security forces, bystanders, or even those who walked a few steps alongside the seditionists – are our children. We pray for God’s mercy and seek His forgiveness for them. They made a mistake. May Almighty God pardon their mistakes, God willing.
So you see, a phenomenon was created by the US called Daesh [ISIS]. The Americans themselves have confessed and admitted that they created Daesh using specific methods. Daesh has more or less been eliminated. But this new group, they’re a new Daesh. We must be careful; we must be vigilant – our officials in one way, the people in another. The youth in particular should pay close attention to who is talking to them and who is making proposals to them.
If any of the main, corrupt elements of this group are still inside the country – and they most likely are – they must be pursued, punished, and put on trial. This is something that our nation demands. Our security services and judicial institutions have the duty to take just legal action against these people who cooperate, collaborate, or speak in harmony with the enemy whether it’s in action, in speech, or in analyzing matters. I’m not in favor of unwarranted severity. However, unwarranted leniency, like undue severity, harms the country. So in my strong estimation, the US’s future plan for the Islamic Republic is this kind of approach and this style of operation. Of course, I’m certain that by the grace of God, any such movement will be destroyed by the Iranian nation without a doubt. The nation, praise God, is spirited, wide awake, and prepared.
As for the crumbling US empire, it truly is crumbling, they have problems in their economy, problems with their policies, and problems in their society. More than 50% percent of the US population don’t approve of their current president. These are the problems of a country. They’re drowning in problems. Let me say just one thing. I said this the other day as well. The problem we have with the United States is that they want to devour Iran, and the Iranian nation is preventing them. The Islamic Republic stands in their way. They seek to gain dominance over the Iranian nation.
As for the things the US President says, which I will address, sometimes he threatens and sometimes he says this must be done or that must not be done. What this signifies is that they’re seeking to dominate the Iranian nation. The Iranian nation is well-versed in its Islamic and Shia teachings. It knows what to do. Imam Hussain (pbuh) said, “Someone like me won’t pledge allegiance to someone like Yazid.” What the Iranian nation is actually saying is that a nation like us – a nation with this culture, this history, and these lofty teachings – will never pledge allegiance to leaders like the corrupt people who are in power in the United States today.
Whatever we had heard about their corruption was one thing, but the case of that infamous, evil island is an even worse matter! These things show the truth of Western civilization. This is what we’re referring to when we speak about Western civilization and Western liberal democracy. They’ve been pursuing a path for 200 or 300 years, and this is the outcome. That island is just one example, but there are many such examples. Just as this matter had not been apparent previously and then was exposed, there are numerous other things that will likewise come to light.
Now, regarding matters involving the US. The US government's propaganda network, along with the Zionist-affiliated press and media that are active within the US, have been issuing threats against Iran almost continuously in recent days. They’ve been threatening that, "We’re going to do this and that." You, the people of Tabriz and much of the Iranian nation, answered those threats on the 22nd of Bahman. You proved that such threats are ineffective and that actually the effect [of such threats] is the opposite. They generate greater motivation [in the people]. The massive, densely packed presence of the nation during the 22nd of Bahman rallies delivered a decisive response to much of the meaningless, empty rhetoric uttered by the current US leadership.
They themselves, of course, know this well. The Americans themselves who are constantly threatening that there will be a war or that such-and-such will happen know that they don’t have the staying power for such a thing. Their economic problems, their political problems, and their international reputation and standing cannot endure a confrontation of that nature. They know this [very well]. They know what future awaits them if they make a mistake.
A sign of the decline of the corrupt, oppressive US empire is their lack of logic. They’re illogical. When a government does something, there must be a logic behind it. [But] they’re illogical. One of their irrationalities is their interference in our country's internal affairs. First off, they want to interfere in Iran's internal matters. One of the country’s internal affairs that’s of great importance to us is our weaponry. We must have deterrent weaponry. If a country doesn’t have deterrent weaponry, it will be crushed under the feet of its enemies. Deterrent weaponry is something absolutely necessary for our nation. The US has no business interfering in this matter for them to dictate, "Your missiles should be like this,” “They shouldn't be like that,” or “They should be limited to this range and not more than that." What does this have to do with you? How is that related to you? This is a matter that’s up to the Iranian nation.
Or there’s the issue of our peaceful nuclear industry. Our peaceful nuclear industry isn’t for war. It’s for running the country. It’s for agriculture, for medicine and healthcare, for energy, and for everything else that relies on energy. The Iranian nation is busy doing its own work. What does it have to do with you? How is this related to you? When it’s said, "This is our undeniable right," this is also stated in the agreements and guidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency itself. That is, all countries have the right to own nuclear facilities within their borders, and even enrichment facilities. This is one of a nation’s rights. Why does the US interfere in this? This shows the disorganized, chaotic thinking of US’s current and past leaders. There’s no difference here. Why do they interfere?
Now, what’s even stranger is the way they [the US] interferes and says, “Let’s negotiate over your nuclear energy, and the result of the negotiation is supposed to be that you do not have this energy!" If that’s the case, there’s no room for negotiations, but if negotiations are truly to take place, determining the outcome of the negotiations in advance is a wrong, foolish act. You say, “Let’s talk about a certain matter and come to an agreement.” But why then do they dictate the result in advance and say, “We must definitely reach this specific agreement”? This is a foolish act. This is the foolish behavior currently being exhibited by US leaders, a number of senators, the President, and certain other people.The Islamic Republic is a nation that’s full of life. The Islamic Republic isn’t a government separate from the people. In essence, the Islamic Republic is the Iranian nation itself. It’s a steadfast, strong nation. It’s a nation of people ready to exert themselves, work, and put in effort for the nation’s advancement. And, praise God, the nation has indeed progressed over the past 47 years.
Back when the Islamic Republic was only a slender sapling, you were unable to uproot it. Today, praise God, the Islamic Republic is a blessed, tall, fruitful tree.
They don’t realize they’ve come to a dead end. In their opinion, and the US President keeps saying this, that they have the strongest military force in the world. The strongest military force in the world may at times be struck so hard that it cannot get up again. They constantly say that they’ve sent a warship toward Iran. Of course, a warship is a dangerous piece of military hardware. However, more dangerous than that warship is the weapon that can send that warship to the bottom of the sea. In one of his recent remarks, The US President has said that for 47 years, the United States hasn't been able to eliminate the Islamic Republic. He’s complained to his own people that for 47 years, the US has not been able to eliminate the Islamic Republic. That confession is true. I say, "You, too, won’t be able to do such a thing."
At the end, I would like to tell our dear government officials and respected authorities to double whatever efforts they’re making and whatever work they’re doing. They need to double their efforts. We have many resources. The current level of inflation in our country is illogical, and the depreciation of our national currency to this extent is illogical. These problems must be remedied. And, God willing, they will be corrected. They’ve already begun doing some things. Our respected officials must continue these efforts earnestly, assiduously, and with careful consideration of all factors. They must solve internal problems and stabilize the business environment. If any threat exists, by God's grace, there are also units to neutralize them. People should do their work, live their lives, pursue their studies, and conduct their business and commercial activities without any worries. An environment of calm, an environment of self-confidence, and an environment of tranquility must prevail in the country. “And Allah sent down His tranquility upon His Messenger and upon the believers” (Quran 9:26).
God willing, may Almighty God bestow calmness and certainty of heart upon each and every one of our people. And through His grace, may He grant success to our officials so that they may fulfill [their duties].
I would like to extend a warm welcome to the dear families of the martyrs who have traveled a long way to be here. I wish them all every success, God willing. And I pray that Almighty God will unite these beloved martyrs with the Prophet (pbuh).
May God’s greetings, mercy, and blessings be upon you.
