Statements in Meeting with Commanders and Personnel of the Air Force

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

We welcome you, dear brothers, commanders, and personnel of the Air Force of the Islamic Republic of Iran; and we congratulate you on this noble day, this great memory, and we honor those who created the event of the 19th of Bahman in a very sensitive and important context. We thank the respected commander for the report; we sincerely appreciate the profound and meaningful anthem that was performed.

Some events are greater than they appear at first glance. Sometimes an event takes on dimensions and a scope that even its creators do not expect. The Holy Quran states: "Yُعجِبُ الزُّرّاع"; it describes the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the believers of early Islam and the great Mujahideen, likening them to a plant that emerges from the soil, gradually gaining strength and growing in such a way that the very planters—those who sowed the seeds of this plant—are astonished. The event of the 19th of Bahman was of this nature. On that day, the dimensions of this event were not apparent; gradually, its dimensions became clear. In a broader context, that day was the same for the revolution itself. The day Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified) began the movement in 1961, this vast scope, this astonishing product, did not occur to anyone, yet it happened; of course, there are reasons for how an event can gain blessings—discussing that is not the focus here—however, the event of the 19th of Bahman was a highly blessed event. One aspect that has been overlooked in analyzing this event and its effects is its impact on creating independence; where? In the army; that is, a part of the social system of the time of the tyrant that suffered the most from the domination and interference of foreigners; the event of the 19th of Bahman awakened the feeling of independence in such a system and organization. This feeling was revived throughout the army—first in the Air Force and then in other branches—showing that they could free themselves from the umbrella of foreign interference and encroachment. Therefore, I was telling friends just now, the first place where "self-sufficiency jihad" emerged was the Air Force; then gradually it spread throughout the entire army. This spirit of independence and self-belief was important for the army, important for the armed forces, and remains important today and for the future—this I mention as an aside; my discussion is about something else: in order to demonstrate your effectiveness in confronting threats in your position, which is the position of maintaining the country's air security, you must have a sense of self-sufficiency from others and independence, relying on your own capacities; then talents will flourish; as it has been so far and will continue to be so—independence is a crucial issue for the entire country and the entire revolution. Independence was one of the foundations of the Islamic Revolution and the Islamic Republic system. The slogan of "independence" alongside the slogan of "freedom" has been, is, and will be the most important slogans of the revolution.

You see, after the failure of the method of direct colonialism—which was previously common and directly colonized countries—this method became obsolete, and new colonialism replaced it; new colonialism was such that foreign intervening powers did not directly enter the administration of the colonized countries; their agents and those who had ears to hear from them and relied on them would be placed at the head of the countries, and since a government reliant on foreign powers cannot exist without despotism, they ruled with despotism and secured the interests of foreign powers; this was new colonialism. Fighting against despotism without fighting against the foreign power that stands behind the dictator and tyrant would lead to nowhere and does not lead anywhere. Today, it is the same; if we assume a nation that is fed up with the despotism of its rulers rises up and revolts against that tyrant, but reconciles with the foreign oppressor behind that tyrant, the fate of this revolution and its officials and managers will either be failure or treason; there is no other option; they will either betray their revolution and their country, or if they do not want to betray, they will fail and be erased from the scene. Just as we have seen in some revolutions in recent years where they fought against the tyrant, but neglected or perhaps thought of reconciling with the power behind the tyrant; you can see the results today. Fighting against the tyrant and reconciling with the arrogant powers will lead nowhere. The revolution that will succeed and prevail is the one that recognizes the intervening power behind the dictator and fights against it; thus, when our youth took over the U.S. embassy and dealt a humiliating blow to America, Imam said, "A revolution greater than the first revolution." The first revolution was indeed a great and unprecedented revolution, but in this second movement, the Iranian nation showed that it recognizes the next layer of domination and calamity and confronts and fights against it.

The issue of independence can be understood here; independence means recognizing an intervening country, confronting it, and standing against it. Independence does not mean being rude to the whole world; independence means confronting that power that wants to interfere, wants to give orders, and wants to spend the dignity and honor of a nation for its own interests; this is the meaning of independence. Who is the enemy of a nation's independence? The foreign powers, the intervening powers; they are the ones who fear the sense of independence in a country, they are afraid and try to weaken this sense in the nation, in the followers, in the leaders, and in the pioneers of the nation; therefore, their propaganda machines get to work to turn nations away from independence; they propagate that the political independence of countries or the cultural and economic independence of countries is incompatible with the progress of countries. You hear these words; those who are familiar with global propaganda hear them; in the world, they are spread as think tanks, as philosophical statements, and some people inside countries—including our own—spread these words on their behalf, that a country that wants to be among the advanced countries of the world has no choice but to diminish its desire for independence, to reduce its desire for independence; otherwise, it cannot coexist with a country that wants to be independent, wants to rely solely on its own interests, and at the same time be part of the global advancement system. Well, this statement is completely false and fabricated by those who oppose the independence of countries. The hope and goal of the intervening powers is to be able to secure their own interests by interfering in the affairs of countries; if the interests of those nations are destroyed and trampled, it does not matter to them; they insist on interfering; just as it was in the tyrannical regime: with whom to have relations, with whom not to have relations, to whom to sell oil, how much to sell, how to consume it, who should come to sensitive responsibilities, who should not; they made explicit interventions in these matters; this country becomes a device, a means for their interests, and national interests are completely forgotten; the goal of the managers and administrators of the country is no longer national interests, but securing the interests of the interveners. Independence cuts off this treacherous and erroneous process; it prevents this. The meaning of independence for a country is not to be angry with other countries, but to create a barrier against the influence of countries so that they cannot overshadow the interests of that country, the interests of that nation with their own interests; this is the meaning of independence and this is the most important goal for a country.

What can secure independence for our Islamic Revolution is a clear and transparent reliance on the foundations of the revolution; the principles of the revolution, the foundations of the revolution, the values of the revolution must be relied upon clearly and transparently. Just as Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified) was; from the very beginning of the movement, Imam stated all his words clearly, without ambiguity. From the start, Imam rejected the hereditary tyrannical monarchy; he did not consider it; from the beginning, it was clear that Imam was seeking a popular system and organization. Hereditary monarchy is rejected; tyrannical system is rejected; individual-based system and reliance on the will of an individual is rejected; Imam stated these clearly; he did not cover them up. Imam clearly stated that an Islamic system—a system based on Islamic thought and values—must come to power; he did not cover it up. Imam did not hesitate in confronting the dangerous Zionist network that wants to govern the world; he did not leave any statement hidden, he took a clear stance against Zionism. Imam took a clear stance against the Zionist regime, which is a fabricated and usurping regime that governs the oppressed land of Palestine; he took a clear stance; he did not hesitate or cover up; see, these are the principles and foundations. Imam did not cover up that we oppose the system of domination; the system of domination means that international system that is based on dividing the world into oppressors and the oppressed; Imam firmly rejected this. That system of domination is fully embodied in the current regime and government of the United States of America; thus, Imam took a clear stance against America. Our stance against America is not because they are a nation we oppose or that racial characteristics have any effect; that is not the issue; the issue is that the nature and behavior of the government of the United States of America is interventionist and domineering; Imam took a clear and transparent stance against this. For this reason, you see that the revolution, after 35 years, remains steadfast and firm on its principles and foundations and on the true path of Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified); the revolution did not change, its words did not change, its path did not change, its goals did not change; this is very important. Revolutions lose their resistance against the storms that descend upon them; many either change their words, or change their paths, or are completely destroyed and vanish. The Islamic Revolution has maintained its specific goals from the very beginning until today, has moved towards these goals, has achieved astonishing advancements in various sectors, and is showing itself from a forgotten and ineffective country and nation in the world to a great regional power and an influential element in international politics. Around the world, all nations recognize the Iranian nation as a brave nation, an honest nation, a wise nation, a resilient nation. Despite all the efforts against the Islamic system, efforts have been made, propaganda has been conducted; for a while, the propaganda and political machines of the enemies of the Iranian nation focused on creating Iranophobia—some on Islamophobia, some on Iranophobia—but the popularity of the Iranian nation among the nations of the world has increased. Today, not only the general public of nations but also the unbiased elites of the world are the same; look at their statements, their judgments about the Iranian nation are: a resilient nation, a wise nation, a patient nation; they look at the Iranian nation with this perspective. Their Iranophobia policy has yielded this result; the fear of nations is not from the Islamic Republic system and the Iranian nation, but from the domination of America. It is America that is known for its bullying, for interfering in the affairs of countries, for being a warmonger; nations recognize America as a warmongering, fire-starting, and interfering government. Nations fear America, they are disgusted by America. The face of the Islamic Republic system, by God's grace, is becoming clearer day by day, and the Iranian nation is becoming more respected in the world day by day; and this trend will continue. The secret of the endurance of the Islamic Republic system on the path of the revolution and on the main lines of Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified) has been this clarity; this transparency should never be lost. In the face of opponents, in the face of friends, in the face of enemies, the positions of the Islamic Republic must be transparent positions. Tactics can change, methods of work can change, but principles must remain steadfast; this is the secret of the strength of the revolution and the secret of the country's progress.

Who are the enemies of our revolution today? The enemies of the revolution are a few corrupt powers in the world that are disreputable; these are the enemies of the Iranian nation. The friends of the Iranian nation are all those who have heard the message of the revolution and the message of the Islamic Republic; there may be those who have no information; anyone who has heard the slogans of the Islamic Republic, has known the steadfastness of the Islamic Republic, has understood the perseverance along with oppression, is a supporter of the Islamic Republic system; and the Islamic Republic system means the people of Iran, means the Iranian nation; the nation is not separate from the system; the nation stands behind the system; this is the secret of the strength and power of the system.

One of the parts of the statements of American officials to our officials, in various statements, is that we do not intend to change the regime in Iran. First, they are lying; if they could, they would not hesitate for a moment to destroy this foundation. Secondly, they cannot; the system that the arrogant powers can change is one that does not rely on the people. The Islamic Republic system relies on the faith of the people, relies on the love of the people, relies on the will of the people. Which revolution do you know that after decades, with the presence of the people in the streets and with the strong slogans of the people, a commemoration for the anniversary of the revolution is held? Now, God willing, on the 22nd of Bahman, you will see that the Iranian nation will again come out in all cities with strength and will shout their strength and show their national power. What is important is that the Iranian nation knows that the secret of its success is steadfastness; and the Iranian nation, thanks be to God, knows this; what is important is that it knows that its path to security is to show national power; they should show national power. National power has manifestations that the people show in massive gatherings, in trends, in demonstrations like the 22nd of Bahman, in various elections; they show this presence; they show it in scientific advancements; and in the support they give to the Islamic Republic system; this is what matters. What preserves the security of the country is showing national power; when the people demonstrate national power to the enemy, the enemy can no longer do anything.

Today, unfortunately, one observes that in some intervals and moments, statements are made by the enemies; this is a lesson for our people. In the various negotiations that are taking place these days, the Iranian nation should keep an eye on these negotiations; they should see the impolite remarks of American officials, keep an eye on them, recognize the enemy. Some want to divert the people's attention from the enmity of the enemy; no, see the enmity, see the duplicity. American officials speak one way in private meetings with our officials, and as soon as they separate from them, they speak another way outside. The Iranian people should see this duplicity of the enemy and the evil and wicked intentions of our enemy; the nation should pay attention. They should see that a country must maintain its internal power; this is our constant advice to the officials. The only thing that can solve the problems of the country is looking at internal capacities—which, thanks be to God, are very numerous—and wisely utilizing these capacities. Fortunately, the economic officials of the government have paid attention to this meaning, and have reached this conclusion. The way to solve the economic problems of the country—now this part of the problems—is not looking outward, not looking to lift the enemy's sanctions and the like; fortunately, the economic officials of the country have paid attention to this meaning. The way is to look inward; to strengthen the internal structure of the economy; they intend to do this, and God willing, this is what will progress and they will succeed in this. One cannot look to the enemy; one cannot expect anything from the enemy. The Americans, in some of their statements and rhetoric, say they are friends of the Iranian nation; they are lying, it becomes clear through their actions. They threaten Iran, and at the same time expect the Islamic Republic to reduce its defensive power; is this not laughable? Is this not ridiculous? While they threaten, they simultaneously say you should reduce your defensive power; no, various officials and different sectors and armed forces will, by God's grace, increase their defensive power day by day.

What saves the country is reliance on internal forces and looking inward; both in the economic field and in various social and political issues, and in cultural issues. God willing, the policies of resilient economy will also be announced in the near future; and following the announcement of these policies, God willing, the necessary structures, the necessary efforts, the necessary endeavors to create a resilient economy—based on the resistance of the people—will come into being; and the nation will continue its path. What is important is that all segments of our nation maintain their unity; all segments of the nation, officials, and elites should not allow various margins to distort the main text. Today, the main text of the movement of the nation is to create internal power, to stand against the storms of opposition and resistance. Over these 35 years, there have been severe storms, and thanks be to God, the nation has stood firm and thwarted the movements of the enemies in these years; after this, the nation must be able, God willing, to thwart these movements and will thwart them. All segments of the nation should maintain their unity; unity and solidarity and empathy among officials and the people should increase; both all officials of the country and managers should trust the people, and the people should trust the officials of the country. Some may be critical, they should criticize, but the criticisms should be fair; considering that the government has only been in power for a few months, they should be given the opportunity to carry out their tasks with strength, God willing; both critics should pay attention to this and behave with the government with an open heart, and the government officials should also treat critics with an open heart; everyone should respect each other, everyone should consider each other. We have enemies, and those enemies also have agents inside the country; we should not neglect this. Let us not allow the agents of the enemies inside the country to exploit weaknesses and create disruptions. Let us all move forward together, all alongside each other, all on the path of Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified), all on the path of the power of this country, God willing. And may God Almighty grant success to the nation, and God willing, matters will progress in the best way, and in this period of time, both in the nuclear issue and in various other matters, the Iranian nation will triumph over its enemies by God's grace and by the power and might of God.

We hope, God willing, that God Almighty grants you all success and that you can fulfill your duties wherever you are—in the Air Force, in the entire army of the Islamic Republic, in the armed forces, and in all segments of the nation—to fulfill your duties; may we all be able, God willing, to perform our duties and secure a desirable future for our country, our system, and our dear nation, God willing.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.