On the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Khamenei.ir publishes an exerpt from Ayatollah Khamenei's statements on Palestine as well as the Islamic Republic of Iran's stance towards the nation:
Imam Khomeini (r.a.) supported and defended Palestine in the course of these long years. He defended Palestine and Afghanistan. The day when the Soviets entered Afghanistan, our magnanimous Imam Khomeini (r.a.) adopted a decisive and determined position against the Soviets despite the fact that we were involved with America's enmity. Usually, when governments are in conflict with a certain side, they compromise with other sides. Even some governments which had a western orientation did not adopt the decisive position that Imam Khomeini (r.a.) did. But our magnanimous Imam Khomeini (r.a.) supported the people of Afghanistan and Lebanon without any consideration. He offered his support to the Palestinians in a very genuine and honest way. This was Imam's (r.a.) logic in confronting arrogance.
With this position, it is possible to understand global events and know what the correct position is. Today, we are as much opposed to the savage and oppressive behavior of DAESH in Iraq and Syria as we are to the oppressive behavior of America's federal police inside their own country. Both of them are the same. We are as much opposed to the siege of Gaza which is an oppressive siege against the oppressed people of Gaza as much as we are opposed to the bombardment of the innocent and unsheltered people of Yemen. We are as much opposed to the strict measures that are adopted against the people of Bahrain as much as we are opposed to the attacks of American drones on the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan. This was Imam's (r.a.) logic.
Wherever oppression exists, there are two sides: the oppressor and the oppressed. We advocate for the oppressed and we are opposed to the oppressor. This was the position that Imam (r.a.) adopted in an outspoken way and this was one of his main guidelines. Today too, the issue of Palestine is a major issue for us because of the same reason. Everyone should know this: the issue of Palestine will not be removed from the Islamic Republic's agenda. The issue of Palestine is the arena of an obligatory and necessary Islamic jihad for us and no event will separate us from it. Some people may not be carrying out their duties on the scene of Palestine, but we distinguish between them and the people of Palestine. The people of Palestine and Palestinian mujahids continue to have our approval and support.
Statements made during a public address on the 26th demise anniversary of Imam Khomeini (r.a.); June 14, 2015.
