No power can persist on coercion, interference, domination: Ayatollah Khamenei

TEHRAN, (MNA) – Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says no power can persist based on domination and interference in other countries’ affairs.

“We also believe that the US is declining. A power built on the basis of coercion, interference in other countries’ affairs and domination over other nations won’t persist,” the Leader's official English-language Twitter account quoted him as saying on Monday.

The Leader’s remarks came to mark the anniversary of the conviction of the deceased French philosopher Roger Garaudy at a court in Paris for questioning the Holocaust.

“#RogerGaraudy has an accurate and precise prediction about the US regime, which we confirm, too,” the Leader added.

Garaudy was a French philosopher, resistance fighter and a prominent author who was convicted and fined in 1998 for Holocaust denial under French law.

In his book, The Founding Myths of Modern Israel, Garaudy asserted that the allegation about “six million" Jews having perished through the Holocaust was a myth, prompting the French judicial system to ban any further publication of his book and fining him 240,000 French francs on February 27, 1998, Press TV reported.

Ayatollah Khamenei also criticized the Western countries' claims of being advocates of freedom of speech by bringing up Garaudy’s case, who was also given a suspended prison term of several years for denying the Holocaust.

The Leader noted that in response to Garaudy’s academic criticism of the Holocaust, instead of giving convincing answers or allowing unbiased research, “the French govt. not only banned his book, but also brought Garaudy to trial.”

“These are the claimants of advocating #FreedomOfSpeech,” Ayatollah Khamenei added.

Pakistani media widely cover Supreme Leader’s remarks

Islamabad, IRNA -- Pakistani media in their reports have given wide coverage to the remarks of Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Khamenei that by eliminating Israel it is meant to get rid of the Zionist regime.

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Friday received the country's officials along with participants of the International Islamic Unity Conference in Tehran.

Daily ‘Express Tribune’ said Iran’s Supreme Leader said on Friday that calls for the abolition of Israel target the “imposed state” not the Jewish people.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the future of the land should be decided by Palestinians of all faiths, Jewish as well as Christian and Muslim.

“We are not anti-semitic. Jews are living in the utmost safety in our country. We only support the people of Palestine and their independence,” he said.

‘The Nation’ in its report said Iran is not calling for the elimination of the Jewish people, but believes people of all religions should decide Israel’s future, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Friday.

“All nations need peaceful nuclear energy, but Western monopolists seek to keep this energy in monopoly,” Khamenei said.

“Westerners know that we are not seeking nuclear weapons because of our principles and (religious) beliefs,” he said.

‘Pakistan Observer’ reported that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said calling for the elimination of the state of Israel does not mean the elimination of the Jewish people.

Talking to participants at an Islamic conference in Tehran he added Iran is not calling for the elimination of the Jewish people, but believes people of all religions should decide Israel’s future.

Daily ‘Business Recorder’ said Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Khamenei said the future of the land should be decided by Palestinians of all faiths, Jewish as well as Christian and Muslim.

“The ‘abolition of the Israeli regime' … does not mean the abolition of Jewish people; we have no problem with them," Khamenei told a meeting of Islamic countries in Tehran.

Khamenei said that the “enemies of Islam," including Israel and the United States, seek to sow discord between Islamic countries and called for unity in the face of the “common enemy".

Another daily ‘Pakistan Today’ said Iran is not calling for the elimination of the Jewish people, but believes people of all religions should decide Israel’s future, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Friday.

“It means that the people of Palestine – be they Muslim, Christian or Jewish – should choose their own government.”

‘The News, in its report said that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has said that calls for the abolition of Israel target the "imposed state" not the Jewish people.

He said the future of the land should be decided by Palestinians of all faiths, Jewish as well as Christian and Muslim.

"We are not anti-semitic. Jews are living in the utmost safety in our country. We only support the people of Palestine and their independence," he said.

Leader rules out possibility of Iran-US talks on any level

TEHRAN, (MNA) – Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei highlighted that there will be no talks between Iranian and American officials "neither in New York nor anywhere else."

Making the remarks during his teachings in a class of advanced Islamic Jurisprudence (kharej–e Fiqh) on Tuesday, Ayatollah Khamanei touched upon US ‘maximum pressure’ policy against Iran.

Referring to the deep and admirable awareness of the Iranian people in face of the conspiracies of the enemies in the past four decades, Ayatollah Khamenei considered the only cure for the country's problems relying on the people and youth and taking the internal capacities seriously, this morning (Tuesday), September 17, 2019.

The Supreme Leader of the Revolution tapped on the new offer by U.S. officials for negotiating and stressed that by negotiations, the U.S. seeks to impose their demands on Iran and showcase the impact of maximum pressure on Iran. His Eminence added: The policy of maximum pressure on the Iranian nation is of little importance, and all the officials in the Islamic Republic unanimously believe that there will be no negotiations at any level with the United States.

Ayatollah Khamenei opened his Dars-e Kharij Fiqh session, marking the commencement of the seminaries’ academic year, by considering the mourning ceremonies for Imam Hussain (a.s.) in Muharram this year, more thriving than the previous years, and noted: This significant fact shows that the people's connection with the Ahlulbait (a.s.) is strong. So, despite numerous propaganda by enemies against the religion and despite the variety of entertainment and attractions for the youth, with the advent of Muharram, huge waves of people, often young people, move towards the tent of Hussein bin Ali (a.s.), and our nation advances under the patronage of Imam Hussain (a.s.).

Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized that the improvement of the affairs of the country and the solving of various problems lie in the hands of the people, and maintained: We should not incline to the foreigners, we should not place hope on foreign governments, we should not rely on relations with others.

The leader of the Islamic Revolution added: Of course, I do not mean that we should cut relations with other governments around the world; we favour relations and talks, yet, the affairs of the country should not be dependent on our foreign relations. Benefit from the facilities of the world, as much as you can, but the cure is inside the country, and the problems can only be solved by the people.

Referring to the new discourse and the new way that the Islamic Republic of Iran has opted for in the world, His Eminence called it impossible that the foreigners and the agents of the rotten Western capitalist system would welcome this honourable way, and added: They have done and continue to do everything they can to oppose us, but by God’s grace and power, their actions have had and will have no results; and the Iranian nation will overcome the enemies, especially the United States.

Ayatollah Khamenei cautioned everyone about the U.S.’s intention from proposing negotiations with Iran again and held: Everyone should know and notice that this is a trick.

Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the different positions by the U.S. officials regarding the negotiation and asserted: Sometimes, they say negotiations without prerequisites, other times, they say negotiations with 12 conditions. Such remarks are either due to their turbulent politics or a trick to confuse the other party. Of course, the Islamic Republic won’t be confused, because our path is clear, and we know what we are doing.

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution described the U.S.'s goal by negotiation not as a just solution, but as a means to impose blatant demands, stating that: I’ve been repeating that the U.S. seeks is to impose, but they have become so insolent today that they are confessing to it themselves.

Referring to the recent remarks by a U.S. official who said ‘we should negotiate with Iran, and we should say so and so, and Iran must agree’, the leader of the Islamic Revolution held: For such negotiations, they should go to those who act as their ‘milking cows’. The Islamic Republic is the believers’ Republic, the Muslims’ Republic and the Republic of dignity.

Ayatollah Khamenei further elaborated on the United States’ goals in pursuing the maximum pressure policy and at the same time, trying to lure Iran to the negotiating table, saying: The U.S. pursues a policy of maximum pressure on Iran through various embargoes, intimidation, and distorted claims, because the current U.S. government believes that the Islamic Republic cannot be brought to its knees, humiliated, and made to submit, through any indirect approach.

Pointing out that the Americans and their allies have recognized that the maximum pressure policy has failed to bring Iran to its knees, Ayatollah Khamenei said: their goal of pursuing negotiation is to prove to everyone that maximum pressure has been effective, and the Islamic Republic officials were forced to sit at the negotiating table despite claiming that they would not negotiate. Thus, the only way of dealing with Iran is through maximum pressure.

Ayatollah Khamenei insisted: if the enemy succeeds in proving that maximum pressure is the only effective way of dealing with Iran, then Iran and our dear nation will never be left in peace. Because, this policy will become the default basis of every other oppressive policy of the US, and after that every time they make a new outrageous demand to the Islamic Republic, we would either have to accept and be done with it or say no and be subjected to maximum pressure anew.

He assessed the U.S.'s insistence on meeting and negotiation and the mediation by some Europeans regarding this matter as being part of the same policy and added: I will, of course, speak about the Europeans at another time, but they are insisting that a meeting with the U.S. President would solve all our problems, because they want to prove that the maximum pressure policy has been effective in dealing with Iran, and this policy must be pursued.

The Leader of the Revolution stressed: In return, we must prove that the maximum pressure policy has absolutely no value in the eyes of the Iranian nation.

Ayatollah Khamenei summarized his speech regarding negotiation with the U.S. in 2 points:

1) negotiating with the U.S. would mean accepting their terms being forced on the Islamic Republic;

2) negotiation would amount to a show of success for the U.S.'s maximum pressure policy.

His Eminence further held: It is for this reason that the country's officials, from the President to the Foreign minister and others, have unanimously announced that we would not take part in talks, be it bilateral or multilateral, with the United States.

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution went on to assert: If the U.S. backs off and repents, and implements the nuclear deal from which they have withdrawn, then the U.S. can also take part in and talk during negotiations between Iran and the countries that are part of this deal. Otherwise, there will be absolutely no negotiation between the officials of the Islamic Republic and the U.S. at any level; neither in New York and not anywhere else.

Stating that for the past 40 years, the Islamic Republic has faced every possible conspiracy, and the enemies have not succeeded in defeating dear Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei pointed out: their policies have been overcome by the policies of the Islamic Republic one after another, and in the future too, the Islamic Republic will defeat them by God's grace, and will gloriously come out of the battlefield victorious every time.

Ultimate victory will certainly be for Palestine: Ayat. Khamenei

TEHRAN, Jul. 22 (MNA) – Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says Iran will never back away from supporting Palestine, stressing that freedom of Palestine and their victory of resistance will certainly happen.

“The issue of Palestine will definitely come to an end with the Palestinians’ and the Muslim World’s triumph,” Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks in a meeting with a Hamas delegation, headed by the deputy chairman of the movement, Saleh al-Arouri, in Tehran on Monday.

“Victory will not be achieved without resistance and struggle, and we believe according to the indubitable divine promise that the issue of Palestine will definitely be in the interest of the Palestinian people and the Islamic world,” the Leader said.

During the meeting, Al-Arouri submitted a letter from Ismail Haniyeh, Chairman of the Hamas Political Bureau, to the Leader.
Thanking the important and welcoming positions of Haniyeh in the letter, Ayatollah Khamenei said, “Hamas stands at the core of the Palestinian movement, as Palestine stands at the core of the Muslim World's movement.”

The Leader emphasized that when it comes to the Palestinian cause, the Islamic Republic of Iran does not observe any reservations or ceremonies in dealing with any country of the world, and added, "We have always clearly and plainly announced our viewpoints regarding Palestine, and even on the international arena, our friends with who we do not see eye to eye on the issue of Palestine, know that the Islamic Republic is absolutely serious regarding the Palestinian cause.”

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution stressed that according to the divine tradition, the victory of the Palestinian people and the return of this holy land to the Islamic world are not strange and unrealistic, saying that “40 years ago, no one believed that in Iran—which was the center of US's influence and aspirations—a religious government would be launched and the Israeli embassy in Tehran would be turned into a Palestinian Embassy. However, this unbelievable matter happened, hence it is possible to make the things which may seem strange come true.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei said, “Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah’s saying that ‘God willing, I will say my prayers in al-Aqsa Mosque’ is a completely practical and realizable hope for us.” 

He touched on the "treacherous" initiative proposed by US President Donald Trump, dubbed as the "deal of the century", saying there is need for promotional, cultural and intellectual work to confront it. 

"The goal of this dangerous conspiracy is to eliminate the Palestinian identity among the people and youth. There is need to confront this main goal and not allow them to eradicate the Palestinian identity with the use of money."

The Leader was apparently referring to a two-day conference held in Bahrain last month, aimed at rallying support for an "investment" plan in the Palestinian Territories as the first part of the "deal of the century".

The plan has met broad disdain from Palestinians and others in the Arab world although regional US allies such as Saudi Arabia discreetly support it. 

"Another way of resisting this conspiracy is to make the people of Palestine feel progress that this has happened altogether, thanks to God," Ayatollah Khamenei said.

Details of A Meeting: Censorships in History

BY NADER TALEBZADEH

The meeting between the Leader of the Islamic Republic and the prime minister of Japan on June 13, 2019 had two significances. First, it broke the traditional censorship on what the Leader has been saying for over three decades. The prime minister obviously was carrying a message from the US president and it had to be heard by the Leader. Here the voice and the answer were much different than what the Iranian president or foreign minister would say and much more dynamic. It would also come as a wakeup call to the US president who would normally remain uninformed about the undercurrents of almost everything, domestic or foreign-related. Second, the message itself, that President Trump could not be trusted, period.

The written letter was not received but an oral presentation was submitted by the prime minister. The message was briefly put. Why should the Iranians trust a man who had defied an already clear agreement that was laboriously reached after five years? The sequence was carefully recorded and edited, yet most world journalists did not see it. This was due to the long-standing tradition of censoring whatever he says, going back to thirty two years ago when he was President and appeared at the UN General Assembly.

*(September 23, 1987, Page 00001, The New York Times Archives)

It is an interesting anecdote that I haven’t seen anyone notice. On September 23, 1987 the New York Times announced how an Iranian ship was caught red-handed laying mines in the western waters of the Persian Gulf. It was attacked, three Iranian sailors were killed and over twenty captured. Iran denied wrongdoing since it was in war with Saddam and asked what the Americans were doing there in the first place? But the juicy dramatic point, was why the American helicopter attack, which according to the US Navy had been tracking the Iranian boat for quite a long time was attacking at exactly the same time as Ayatollah Khamenei was about to make a speech at the UN general assembly? This was at the peak of the war with Saddam that the US fully supported and the Iranian president was going to embark on why the Americans were so adamant in supporting such a cannibal.

None the less the speech at the UN was completely obliterated. Ayatollah Khamenei was not heard. The story of Iran’s grand crime of protecting its waters against foreign invasion totally covered the UN speech. Caught Red Handed was the title of every media in the US. The synchronization of the attack and the speech is the point here.

This scenario repeated itself again two days ago when the Japanese President came to the Iranian Leader. As the talks were going on two Iranian oil carrying ships were mysteriously attacked and the world media focused on just that. None of the details of the meeting were elaborated upon. A cover-up had camouflaged the real story which was the Leader’s response to Trump.

This style censorship on him specifically has repeated itself in other instances which I will skip for now. But the point is clear

Security requisite for economic prosperity: Leader

TEHRAN, Apr. 28 (MNA) – In a meeting with Iran’s police commanders, the Leader of the Islamic Republic Ayatollah Khamenei stressed the need for ramping up the fight against smuggling in line with the objective of ‘Boosting Domestic Production’ as well as the fight against cyber crimes.

According to the official website of the Leader of the Islamic Republic ‘Khamenei.ir’, Law Enforcement commanders and directors met with the Leader Ayatollah Khamenei on Sunday afternoon during which he stressed the need for fulfilling the slogan of the year 1398, which is ‘Boosting Domestic Production.’

The Commander-in-Chief of Iran’s Armed Forces Ayatollah Khamenei stressed the need to persist with the current movement of the Police Forces towards the ideal Police Force as set by the Islamic Republic, and asserted “the Police Forces should seriously counter smuggling and confront those who disturb the security of the cyberspace.”

Regarding as significant the Police Forces’ role in the realization of the year’s motto, that is ‘Boosting Domestic Production’ as well as providing security on the cyberspace, the Leader called sovereignty and compassion the two complementing characteristics of the Police Forces.

Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the 24-hour services and endeavors of the hard-working Police staff during ‘Eids and holidays and went on to say that “in the event of recent floods, the Police Forces performed luminously by serving the affected populations and securing the flood-stricken regions.”

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution described the achievements by the Police Forces in recent years as a valuable reality and went on to say “yet, it does not mean that the Police Force is already at the esteemed status desired by the Islamic Republic. That status should be achieved by continuous work; and any factor that might make the people question the virtues and honors of the Police Force, be it an unqualified officer in a police station, should be corrected.”

Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that profit is not the only reason behind the illegal trafficking of products and warned of possible conspiracies by stating that “it is not only a quest for profit that motivates some of these [smugglings]; rather, there is a plot, a plan with evil intentions involved in some case and the Police must confront with utter vigilance.”

The Leader pointed out to cybersecurity as another important issue and maintained “today the cyberspace is widely present in people’s life and despite its benefits and potentials, it also poses grave risks”

He added that a lack of security on the cyberspace is harmful to people and reiterated the duty of the Police in providing cybersecurity.

Ayatollah Khamenei referred to ‘the prohibition of arms trade’ as another important duty to be fulfilled by the Police Forces and stated “in some countries like the United States, the sale and purchase of weapons are allowed due to the profit arm manufacturers win; nevertheless, it causes problems for the people. In our country, however, this is not allowed and the prohibition must be enforced.”

Pointing out to a recent tragedy wherein a clergy was murdered in Hamadan, the Leader of the Revolution insisted on preventing the sale of arms on the cyberspace and held “the person who murdered a clergy in Hamadan yesterday had previously published his photos with 4 different handguns and rifles, and confronting such matters falls under the responsibility of the Police Forces.”

Before the Leader of the Islamic Revolution commenced his statements, Brigadier General Ashtari, the Commander-in-Chief of the Police Force, reported on some of the services offered by the Police Forces including active involvement in and providing security at different events such as the Arbaeen pilgrimage, identifying and confronting economic corruption, special planning for Nowruz holidays to reduce accidents and road casualties, mobilization of forces and facilities to help flood victims and providing security in those regions, and said, "During the second phase of the Revolution, with great resolution, administrative transparency, sincerity, and offering unconditional service to the people, our goal will be to achieve a Police Force in the same status as desired by the Revolution and the Islamic Civilization."

Photos: Pakistani PM Imran Khan met with Imam Khamenei

AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): Imran Khan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, and his entourage met with Ayatollah Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, on Monday afternoon April 22, 2019.

Ayat. Khamenei hails IRGC, Army for pushing back terrorism in region

TEHRAN, Apr. 17 (MNA) – The Leader of the Islamic Revolution attached great importance to fraternity between the Army and the IRGC that came after the US's hostile move in designating the IRGC as a terrorist entity.

According to the official website of Iranian Leader 'Khamenei.ir', ahead of the National Day of the Army, commanders and senior officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army as well as a group of commanders and staff members of the Ground Forces met with the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Khamenei this afternoon April 17, 2019.

While meeting with the commanders of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Army and Ground Forces today (Wednesday), Ayatollah Khamenei called today’s Army more committed to the religion and more efficient than ever before, and praised the vital and effective involvement of the Army and the Armed Forces in providing relief to the flood-stricken areas.

He stressed the need for increased unity among the Armed Forces, regarding as favorable the gesture of fraternity between the Army and the IRGC that came after the US's blatant act against the IRGC in designating the organization as a terrorist entity.

Ayatollah Khamenei reminded his audience by stating that any action that infuriates the enemy is appropriate and correct; whereas, any action that makes the enemy more blatant and stronger in spirit must be avoided.

Congratulating the honorable staff of the Army and their families on the National Day of the Army and Ground Forces in this meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei regarded the Armed Forces as symbols and elements of national power and added "of course, in many countries, even in the countries that claim to advocate freedom and human rights, the Armed Forces are agents of dictators’ authority and confronting the nations, an example of which can be seen in the case of Saturdays in Paris [yellow vests movement]."

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution dubbed the Armed Forces as ‘security guards for the nation’ according to the logic of Islam and the Islamic Republic, and went on to say "during a war, the Armed Forces stand up to the enemy’s invasion with knowledge, experience, and self-sacrifice, defeating the enemy and making it retreat. At the time of peace, the army brings reassurance and peace of mind to the nation with complete preparedness and efficacy. That is why the enemies seek to disturb the people’s peace of mind by presenting the Armed Forces as distressed."

He referred to the relief operation by the Army and the Armed Forces for the people during natural disasters as an effective and vital involvement and asserted, saying "in the recent floods, the Armed Forces engaged in assisting the people with their full potentials and capacities, to the point that in the province of Golestan the Army presented themselves in the area even before the Crisis Management Organization.

The Leader praised the Army of the Islamic Republic for staying true to Islamic values and stated "by the grace of the Islamic Republic, the Army is an Army based on religious principles and an exhibition of Islamic values. Examples like martyrs Babaee and Sayyaad Shirazi exist in the Army, representing role models for the nation and even the Islamic Ummah in terms of productivity, commitment, humbleness, self-sacrifice and lack of interest in fame. These values and spirit should be encouraged increasingly day after day."

The Leader of the Revolution went on to say "today’s Army is more committed to religion and more productive than ever before. Today, the Army is governed by revolutionary and pious forces. Those who are used to humiliating the nation and praising the betrayers, constantly talk of the ‘modern army of Reza-Khan’, whereas, that so-called modern army failed to resist the invasion of foreigners even for one day. However, the powerful Army of the Islamic Revolution resisted for eight years in a war; and today, the Army’s knowledge, morale, experience, capability, religious commitment and trusteeship is more than before and a source of honor."

Ayatollah Khamenei described the Iranian Armed Force’s role in the fight against ISIS as unparalleled and maintained "of course, each of the involved countries took the necessary measures, but the role that the Armed Forces of Iran played cannot be ignored. Thus, today, besides the Iranian nation, other countries have benefited from the blessings of the Iranian Armed Forces."

Iran-End of Year (4)

In the Light of the Leader's Guidelines

The Islamic Republic of Iran considers it a duty to resist against the aggressive policies of arrogant and oppressive powers. This resistance was stressed several times in the remarks of Ayatollah Khamenei in the past Iranian year.

Experience shows that the US enmity against the Islamic Republic of Iran focused on making Iran involved in domestic, regional and international crises. This hostile attitude has been pursued via staging of coup and mutinies inside the country, launching an all-out military war and then soft war. All these schemes have been designed with the aim of overthrowing the Islamic Republic system.

The enemies of the Iranian nation have always been spiteful and displeased with the might of this system so that they even don't tolerate the honours of Iran's athletes' on the global scenes. But this behavior has made the Iranian nation more resolute to attain greater successes. This means that the dazzling might of the Iranian nation has bewildered the arrogant powers. The United States has spent trillions of dollars to confront and smear the Islamic Revolution both domestically and internationally. The Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, has always emphasized on good relations with the neighboring countries. But on relation with the European countries, he said, "There is no objection towards relations and talks with Europe; but while doing this, have no hope in them on issues like JCPOA and economy."

The Leader reiterated, "While being doubtful about their promises, you should be seriously heedful of the current of issues. JCPOA is not the goal, it is rather a means; and naturally if we conclude that it is impossible to preserve national interests with this means, we will abandon it."

Ayatollah Khamenei, ruled out any negotiation with the Americans, saying, "This was the outcome of talks with the former US officials who were at least pretentious. Now, which talks are we going to have with their current officials who are audacious and are blatantly expressing their animosity with Iranians? Thus, there won't be any negotiations with the Americans at any level. For the past 40 years, the United States has exerted any enmity it could against the revolution, nation and the Islamic Republic. Now, too, the US has pinned its hope in forging internal difference and rift to force Iran to give in to economic pressure."

Referring to a report by international organizations, Ayatollah Khamenei stated, "In terms of untapped capacities, Iran ranks first in the world. The experience of the recent years shows that tying all of the economic problems to JCPOA and relying on the issues like negotiation with the US is a great mistake. The fact is that the enemy is seeking to polarize the political currents and cause rift in the national unity."

As the Leader has stressed several times, we should deeply believe that economic problems can be solved through reliance on the ample capacities inside the country. As a matter of fact, Ayatollah Khamenei makes it clear that some of the problems have their roots in trusting the US and its allies while they are the main enemies of the Islamic Revolution and the Iranian nation.

Explicating the deeply-rooted animosity of the US with the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Khamenei believes that imagination of solving the problems of country via negotiations with the US is a glaring mistake. He said, "The US has a basic and fundamental problem with the Islamic system. Moreover, there are many countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America which have good relations with the US but they are grappling with a lot of problems."

The Leader believes in continuation of talks with Europeans while stressing that we mustn't be dependent on the European package; but we should pursue the ample works inside the country. He said, "We don't like to quarrel with Europe but these three European countries have shown that they comply with the US in the most critical junctures."

While necessitating the Europeans' clear confrontation with any American sanction against Iran, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution stressed, "Let everyone know that the Islamic Republic will not abandon the parameters of its power including defence from a distance. Presence in the region and the nations' support for the Islamic Republic are our strategic depth and no wise government relinquishes these power-creating parameters."

Having hope in the future and keeping liveliness, dynamism and exuberance were among the points that the Leader stressed in his meetings with people and officials in the past year. Ayatollah Khamenei, pointing to the ceaseless efforts of the US to spread ambiguity and destroy the Iranian nation's self-reliance, said, "With God's grace and relying upon the vigilance and perseverance of the people, like before, we will rub the enemy's nose in the dirt; and, through multiplied endeavour of the officials to solve people's livelihood and economic problems, we will continue the path of progress and honour."

Ayatollah Khamenei, pointing to the complete severance of Iran's dependence on the US, said to a gathering of hundreds of bright and top scientific talents, "The enemy, monitoring the developments and activities of the Islamic Republic of Iran, is quite angry and seriously worried about Iran's turning from a backward and dependent country into an effective and influential country with an increasing political, defensive and scientific might."

As for the defensive and military arenas, the Leader made it clear several times, "The Islamic Republic is not intended to initiate war with anyone; but it should increase its capabilities to the extent that the enemy will not only be scared and panicked of attacking Iran but, thanks to solidarity, might and presence of the armed forces in the scene, the shadow of threat will be far from the Iranian nation."

Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei considered soft war more dangerous than hard war and warns everybody to be wakeful and vigilant against soft war.

Iran-End of Year 3

Tehran, Center of Regional and International Consultations

The last Iranian year was the year in which the Islamic Republic played very vital role in bringing back security and stability to the region. Preservation of regional security is among the definite policies of the Islamic Republic. Iran's regional strategy is based on cooperation and coordination with nations.

The Islamic Republic believes that the security of the region can be gained without any foreign intervention. But this is not to the interest of the US and interventionist and invading powers. Political analyst, Dr. Sajjad Abedi, said, "The developments on the field in Syria have changed regional equations to the extent that experts speak of formation of a new order in West Asia. The result of such a condition was to hold Astana summit without the presence of the countries which supported terrorism. Although these talks continue in Geneva, and, in the future rounds of talks, Europeans may play more roles, currently the field situation in Syria has caused trans-regional players gradually leave West Asia and their allies in the region."

West Asia has gone through different phases for the past half a century. The first phase was based on conflict between regional countries and the meddling of trans-regional powers via appointment of a gendarme for the region. After the gradual omission of Britain, the United States of America became interested in this model and designated the Shah of Iran as its main stooge in the region. However, the second phase began with George W. Bush.

As per his doctrine, trans-regional powers, like the US and Britain, through direct military intervention, tried to determine the order of the region directly rather than resorting to proxy method. Their justification for direct intervention was not limited only to internal conflict but a self-made phenomenon: terrorism. But their repeated defeats in recent years caused them to focus mostly on proxy wars via terrorism to advance their sinister goals. Political observers maintain that, with regard to the very vital and important role of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps in Syria and Iraq, we are witness to formation of a third model in the regional order. According to this model, a regional power like Iran, is strong enough to restore stability to the countries beleaguered by foreign-orchestrated wars and has the power to even take other regional and trans-regional powers, like Turkey and Russia, with itself.

For the recent decades, different conspiracies have been hatched in the region by the west, spearheaded by the US. The US military interference increased its influence in the region on one hand, while the security of the region was affected by trans-regional relations and destructive military and security rivalries. Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, said, "America intends that the region won't see calm so that the governments and nations of the region will be engaged with themselves in order not to think of confronting the wicked lackey of Arrogance, i.e. Zionism."

The US's regional strategy in the face of the Islamic Republic is based on curtailment and total omission of Iran from the regional equations. To achieve this objective and dominate over the economic resources and strategic situation of the region, the United States uses every diplomatic and military tool. But, Iran has stood firm against this current as it considers the security of its neighbors as its own security. In view of this, the Islamic Republic of Iran was the first nation that answered positively to the call of the Syrian nation and government to fight terrorists.

In view of this cooperation and interaction among friends, Tehran hosted the Syrian President Bashar Assad in the waning days of 1397. Bashar Assad came to Tehran to thank Iran for its unflinching supports for Syria against the savage terrorists. Ayatollah Khamenei told to the Syrian president that the resistance of the Syrian president and people were the mystery of victory for Syria and defeating the US and its puppets in the region. The Leader stressed vigilance against next plots. He added that Iran and Syria are the strategic depth of one another and the identity and power of the Resistance current depends on this continuous and strategic bond. Hence, the enemies will fail to put their schemes into effect.

The United States, in complicity with its allies, has tried for many years to push the developments of the region in its favor, namely, cement its control over energy resources and maintain the security of the usurper Zionist regime in Tel Aviv. Military intervention, formation of and support for terrorist groups, waging of proxy wars and so on are some of the projects for affecting the developments of West Asia. Meanwhile, the Islamic Republic of Iran has always emphasized on principles like negation of any foreign interference in the region.

Therefore, the Islamic Republic has fought against warmongering policies of big powers in the region. This principled policy was also stressed during the visit of the Armenian Premier, Nikol Panashian to Tehran. Ayatollah Khamenei, considering friendship and cooperation between the countries to the benefit of both countries, saying, "Of course, the Americans are completely unreliable and they are everywhere pursuing sedition, corruption, difference and war and they are opposed to the relations of Iran and Armenia and the interests of nations; but we are duty-bound to strengthen our cooperation and relations." The Leader also stressed that the continuation of talks between Azeri and Armenian sides will resolve the issue of Karabagh and that the Islamic Republic is ready to help in this regard.              

Iran-End of Year (1)

Iran, 40 Years of Honour

The Iranian year 1397 was a turning point for the Iranian nation. It was the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. Now, the Islamic Republic system has entered a new era and is getting prepared for taking the second big stride as the Leader called it in his detailed and comprehensive statement.

The Islamic Revolution of Iran is 40 years old. During these years, the Islamic Republic system not only has not weakened but has become stronger day by day. Of course, there have been problems but it is to keep the high morale and hope in the future that matters. If we have a glance at the past, we will see that the nascent Islamic Republic system had faced a variety of plots since the beginning of its formation. Each of these plots could have destroyed any country and system but the Iranian nation thwarted every plot and Islamic Republic overcame every challenge.

For the past 40 years, there has hardly been a juncture in which the Americans have not claimed that the Islamic Republic is going to be annihilated soon. As the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Khamenei, said on October 8, 2018, "That the Islamic Revolution has succeeded to save Iran from the Britain and America is considered as a great success for this revolution."

Today, Iran is not fighting the enemies inside its borders but destroys its enemies hundreds of kilometers away from its borders. Iran is self-sufficient in manufacturing its weapons and military equipment. The Iranian nation has weathered every conspiracy from domestic coups, an all-out war which was supported by scores of countries to economic pressures and sanctions. The enemies cannot be expected to avoid plotting against Iran; but as long as the Iranian nation is united they won't let the enemies attain their illegitimate goals. The Islamic Republic is the greatest challenge for the United States and its allies as they know well that they will never be able to restore their dominance over Iran to devour its resources and riches.

The Islamic Revolution has challenged the Global Arrogance by putting forward a salvaging thought. The enemies of Islam are well aware that they should forge division and discord in the region to break the model of Islamic resistance and remove the barriers on the way of the US and Israeli expansionism in the region. Today, the United States has stood against the Islamic Ummah with diverse plots. The main policy of the US is based on warmongering in Islamic countries which is a multi-purpose agenda. Firstly, war pours billions of dollars to the coffers of arms manufacturing companies. Secondly, war kills thousands of Muslims in different countries. Thirdly, war raises to the ground the infrastructures of these countries and makes them further dependent on foreign aids and borrowing money from global organizations which are mainly headed and run by Americans or their stooges. Fourthly, any war in the Islamic world distracts Muslims from the crimes of the Zionist regime in Palestine and the chronic cause of Palestine as the main problem of the Islamic Ummah. No doubt, what happened in recent years and decades in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Bahrain and so on, is the manipulation of that plot.

Ayatollah Khamenei points to the stratagem of the enemies to erect a wall between Iran and the Islamic world, saying, "Everyone is duty-bound to dismantle this forged wall."

The Iranian nation, with the spirit of resistance and independence-seeking, has taken big strides not only during the 8-year imposed war and the security of the country, but also in construction, science and technology. 40 years of experience have proved that preservation of the Islamic and Revolutionary values is a lasting asset for stability, progress and security of Iran. This great asset has made the Islamic Revolution and revolutionary movements vigorous, courageous and agile to make a brighter and more honorable future.

Ayatollah Khamenei addressing a huge gathering of Basiji forces, said, "The enemy has intensified its hostility on every side to destroy the resistance emanating from the revolutionary and Islamic thought in the region; but the faithful and steadfast youths and men brought the enemies to their knees by repelling the Takfiri cancerous tumor of Daesh and once more proved to all the concept of 'We can'."

The persistence of the lively move of resistance in the Islamic world indicates the dynamism and vividness of the values of the Islamic Revolution. These values have been internalized in the Islamic Republic system. They are in fact the indexes of the Islamic Republic's might. That's why the Global Arrogance has incessantly tried to deal blows to the Islamic Iran by any possible means. Imposition of war, political pressures, economic sanctions, psychological war and assassination of scientists have all been the parts of this puzzle. The Leader stresses, "Social settlement and stability, national security and unity, abiding by the principles and fundamentals of the revolution, continuation of the move towards scientific development, expansion and deepening of the revolutionary and Islamic culture, defensive and missile progress, and presence in the region are the elements of the Islamic Republic's might and the enemies seek to strike these elements of power."

According to the Leader, "The greatness of Iran, the might of the Islamic Republic and the invincibility of the Iranian nation" are the three undeniable facts which the enemies wish that the Iranian nation were not aware of or neglect them so that they are mistaken about the conditions of the country and their capabilities.

The Islamic Republic of Iran, in spite of negative media hype and Iranophobic insinuations, has turned into the engine of Islamic Awakening in the region as it has never been tired or retreated before the conspiracies of the enemy. The Iranian people, with their fateful presence in fighting terrorism and their million-strong presence in the demonstrations of the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution's victory, proved that they will never bow to the pressures of the US and its comrades-in-crime. This resistance has shown that the values and ideals of the Islamic Revolution have transcended far beyond the borders of Iran and keep inspiring not just Muslims but freedom-seeking people in the world.

Ayatollah Khamenei Describes Europe's Financial Channel with Iran as “Sad Joke”

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei lashed out at the European states’ for their lack of commitment to fulfilling undertakings under 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

“What has recently been said about the new financial channel they created is more like a joke. This is a sad joke, a nonsensical joke. Their duty is totally different from what they are suggesting to do. In our most recent international affair, the Europeans betrayed us again,” Ayatollah Khamenei said on the first day of the 1398 Persian New Year at the Shrine of Imam Reza (AS) in Iran’s northeastern city of Mashhad, wherein he delivered his annual speech to the pilgrims and residents of the area.

According to official website of Ayatollah Khamenei, after congratulating the Iranian nation as well as all nations that celebrate Nowruz, Ayatollah Khamenei addressed his audience by calling the new Persian Year as the year of opportunities.

His Eminence asserted: Some have suggested that this year is a year of threats. I do not believe in that at all. I believe the Persian year 1398 is the year of opportunities, by God's grace, the year of productivity and success.

The Leader described those inside the country who constantly talk negatively about the year ahead as influenced by the propaganda of the enemies and held: Of course those who suggest other views, and constantly threaten that unfavorable things will happen, are under the influence of the enemies' propaganda, whether knowingly or unknowingly. The enemies of this nation, in addition to all other things they do, they also engage in a psychological warfare and spread propaganda. These propagandas must be known as they are. They had the same propaganda for the year 1397 aimed at trying to frighten people.

Referring to U.S. officials the Leader once named ‘First-rate Idiots’, Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that the United States has failed in their calculations about Iran, and said: One of those idiots said that if they withdrew from the JCPOA, the people of Iran would go on riots and the people would not be able to afford even bread. Another of these idiots suggested that U.S. officials would celebrate 2019 in Tehran.

Imam Khamenei pointed to the faulty analysis offered by the United States regarding Iran’s situation and elaborated on the reason behind these poor analyses by stating that: Is their analysis really so out of touch regarding the events in the region and the country? Are they seriously suggesting such analysis, which is only another sign of their idiocy? Or do they offer such analysis as part of their psychological warfare, so they are publicizing these words all over the world out of malice? I am not sure which the case is. It could be both idiocy and malice.

The Leader elaborated on the enemies of Iran’s efforts to stage economic and psychological wars against the Iranian nation by asserting that: Today the enemy is engaged in an economic war against us. Well the fact that the enemy is fighting against us is now recognized by all; the officials have understood that the enemy has initiated a war on us. Wars are not fought only by armaments; security and intellectual war is also a type of war, and can at times be more dangerous than a military war. This type of war can be seen in economic affairs. We must defeat the enemy in this war; and by God's grace, we will defeat them.

His Eminence went on to mention that: But this is not enough. My request from the various actors in the country-- government officials, academia, or in public sectors-- is different. In addition to defeating the enemy, we should repel the enemy. Sometimes, you might defeat the enemy but the enemy might wait for another opportunity to strike a blow; this is useless.

He stressed that Iran needs to achieve a deterrence level where enemies cannot harm the country’s economy; he asserted: We must achieve a level where we repel the enemy, too. So the enemy sees they cannot harm us in the economy. Repelling is possible, just as has been the case with our military power. There was a time when the enemy bombarded our cities and we could not defend. Now that we have developed our equipment, the enemies in the region know that we can counter any enemy in the region by our precision-guided missiles.

Ayatollah Khamenei further slammed the Saudi regime for its despotic and dependent inclinations and held: I do not know any state in this region, or maybe anywhere in the world, worse than the Saudi regime. It is a despotic, dictatorial, corrupt, tyrannical and dependent regime. They provide such a regime with nuclear infrastructure. They announced that they would build a nuclear plant for it.

Ayatollah Khamenei declared that he does not worry about Saudi Arabia’s developing nuclear plants as he predicts the fall of the Saudi regime in the near future. His Eminence held: They announced they would build missile producing sections. There, it is okay to build them because that country is dependent on them, and it belongs to them! Now even if they build them, I would not worry, because I know in the near future they will be in the hands of Islamic warriors, God willing.

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution slammed Western coverage of the Christchurch terrorist attack for their double standards and Islamophobic motives and asked: Was not the recent incident in New Zealand—which entailed the massacre of Muslims—an incident of terrorist nature in their view? The Europeans, neither the politicians nor their media, would not call it a terrorist attack. They called it an armed attack instead. Whenever there is an action against someone supported by the West, terrorism and human rights are used to oppose it. But in this case - the attack in New Zealand- they would not call it a terrorist action. They are like this.

Ayatollah Khamenei criticized the European partners of the JCPOA for having breached their commitments by not standing against the United States and held: What was the responsibility of Europeans in the matter of the JCPOA? An agreement was achieved between six countries and Iran. One party was the United States which has already withdrawn. What did the other signatories commit to do? Europeans should have stood up to the US, saying that they would adhere to their commitments. Their commitment was to remove all sanctions. They should have resisted strongly.

His Eminence stressed that Europeans made excuse to evade their commitments and even went as far as imposing new sanctions on Iran, adding that: However they did not resist on the pretext of numerous excuses. Not only they did not stand up to the US, they also practically withdrew from the JCPOA even though they had insisted that we should keep to it. That is, they even imposed new sanctions against Iran.

The Leader went on to say: When Europeans act in this manner, what can we expect them? What has recently been said about the new financial channel they created is more like a joke. This is a sad joke, a nonsensical joke. Their duty is totally different from what they are suggesting to do. In our most recent international affair, the Europeans betrayed us again. We cannot expect them [to act appropriately].