This is the voice of the Iranian nation

Tehran has witnessed many glorious and epic days. Days when the people felt the need to take to the streets, and with their presence, thwart the enemy’s plots and awaken the deluded from their slumber. However, what took place in Tehran on the afternoon of January 12 was something beyond the enduring epics of the past; in a single word, it was an unparalleled divine day. The people, holding the Quran in one hand and the sacred flag of their country in the other, streamed in from every district and alleyway of this great city—drop by drop they gathered, converging into a mighty flood at the city center. A flood that settled the dust and calmed the hearts of the nation.

This historic presence and epic were not confined to the capital. Millions of Iran’s noble and dignified nation in hundreds of other cities, also took to the streets to declare: “This is the voice of the Iranian nation.” It was a clear and resonant voice with three distinct audiences.

The first audience were the terrorists who, in recent days, had exploited the prevailing atmosphere and certain gatherings in the country, turning protest into riot, and riot into indiscriminate terrorism. And in the process, committing unspeakable atrocities. The epic of January 12 by the Iranian nation carried a clear and direct message for these ISIS-like terrorists: the nation’s security forces, with the support of this nation, will put you back in your place. The true nature of these internal terrorists and their treacherous accomplices from abroad, who seek to exploit the hardships and struggles of the masses, has today been laid bare more than ever before.

The second audience of this epic, who are more important than the first group, were the foreign masters of these terrorists. The very same US and Zionist regime that, seven months prior, had directly entered the arena and were soundly slapped back by Iran. This time, they sent their mercenaries to the field to hatch a new plot and achieve their sinister objectives—ranging from dominating the country and plundering its resources to partitioning it. The Iranian nation made it clear to the primary, foreign directors of this crisis that, despite all differences of opinion and legitimate objections, they stand firmly with Iran in critical battles. They are neither intimidated by threats nor deceived by empty promises.

And the third audience of this surging national tide were the nation’s own officials. Officials in every position and office must appreciate the enemy-defying presence of this noble and great people and, through wise management and dedicated effort, strive earnestly to serve them and resolve their problems.

The epic of January 12 was akin to the staff of Moses (pbuh)—it swallowed the sorcery of the magicians and will infuriate the Pharaoh and his entourage to the brink of madness. An epic that unfolded just three days after this statement by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution: “God willing, God will bring the feeling of victory to the hearts of all the Iranian people very soon.”[1]

[1] January 9, 2026