Exclusive | Ayatollah Khamenei steered Iran through critical juncture: Russian orientalist

Moscow, IRNA — A prominent Russian Orientalist, Elena Dunaeva, says that Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution, was a pragmatic leader who guided Iran through a decisive chapter in the history of its quest for independence.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with IRNA, Dunaeva said over 37 years of his leadership, Ayatollah Khamenei continued the path of Imam Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, and defended the achievements and interests of the Islamic Revolution.

Dunaeva, who is also an Iranologist, said that the martyred Leader assumed leadership of the country during a difficult period after the Iran-Iraq War and the passing of Imam Khomeini.

At that time, it was necessary to rebuild the economy and develop Iran’s social, economic, and cultural capacities under new conditions to realize the main causes of the Islamic Revolution, she noted.

At that time, Iran faced numerous challenges, and the wise decisions of Ayatollah Khamenei contributed to the country’s social and economic development, she stated

Dunaeva also lauded the martyred Leader’s ability to negotiate and reach agreements, and said at a time when international sanctions made the economic situation more difficult, Ayatollah Khamenei introduced the policy of a ‘resistance economy’.

Iran’s martyred Leader paid great attention to strengthening the country’s military capability, and Armed Forces, under his leadership, she said.

She praised the people of Iran, who showed that the loss of their Leader and several officials did not weaken the country, but rather united them and bolstered their resolve to defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Ayatollah Khamenei was always an advocate of developing good relations with Russia, and Russian President Vladimir Putin met with him on multiple occasions, Dunaeva said.