Statements of His Excellency in Meeting with Thousands of Members of the Student Basij from Universities Across the Country

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

This very dear session and you dear youth is one of the sweetest blessings of God upon this humble servant. The gathering of Basij students, the living, active, intelligent forces, and in fact, the ready-to-work and committed soldiers of Islam and the Revolution, is a source of gratitude and pride for every official - indeed for every individual in the country who cares about the fate of this country.

The points that our brothers and sisters have expressed are noteworthy. If there were time and it were possible for me and the session, I would prefer to hear more of your thoughts and opinions for another hour; however, the amount you dear ones have come and presented makes me very happy. What I have always wished for, asked from God, and strived for, I have vividly observed in the statements of you dear Basij youth, which is: the existence of a clear and bright mindset, a lofty understanding of the issues of the country and the world, the importance of the Basij, and the significance of the presence of youth in the scientific and political environment. The viewpoints that I have always tried to encourage our believing and revolutionary youth society to pay attention to and progress in, I have observed in the statements of those who spoke here, in general. I am sure that if more people had spoken, this belief and feeling would have increased.

First, I will briefly refer to some of the points that our brothers and sisters have expressed here; then I will present a few sentences summarizing the issues of the Basij and the student Basij and the general issues of the country.

Firstly, for a Basij youth to come and say: "It is good for the government to solve the students' professional problems - which are easily solvable," or to complain that: "Scientific work within the Basij does not receive the necessary support and backing," makes me happy; this is the very expectation we have from the Basij. The Basij means that caring element that considers the country as belonging to itself and the future as dependent on its own efforts; it is concerned because it is the homeowner. If a glass breaks in the house, guests and onlookers may not care much, but for the homeowner, it does not matter which room the glass was from, and they become worried; they are the homeowner after all. I appreciate this concern in you, the Basij youth.

Regarding the issue of entering politics, I will present some points now, and I hope this meaning becomes clear. In my opinion, there is no question! Can the Basij - especially the revolutionary Basij and the revolutionary student Basij - be indifferent or without a position and opinion regarding the political issues of the country?! Is such a thing possible?! I advise you Basij students not to be conservative and always remain students and Basij members - in the positive, passionate, and vibrant sense. Of course, the continuation of what we say "do not be conservative" is that "but be vigilant." Be completely vigilant. You chant: the student is awake! Yes, that is the expectation; I want to tell you: be awake. The awakening of the student is not just a rejection of America. What is America? Is America a geographical region or a nation? Or is it a political, security, organizational, and cultural entity that cannot be seen? An entity with a vast financial backing and extensive experience in propaganda and psychological warfare. Rejecting this requires heightened awareness. It is not like being awake in a military battlefield where if you are awake in the trench, as soon as the enemy shows the slightest movement, you target them. In cultural warfare, political warfare, and security warfare, the enemy's movements cannot be easily seen. Sometimes, the enemy arranges things in such a way that a true statement comes from the mouth of someone! The enemy is false and invalid, so why would they want this true statement to come from that person? Because they want to complete their puzzle. This puzzle consists of a hundred or two hundred pieces; one piece is this true statement that that person must say to complete the puzzle! Here, this true statement should not be said. The enemy's puzzle should not be completed. This level of vigilance is necessary! Yes, enter politics and think politically; but be very vigilant. The enemy should not be able to use any of your movements, statements, or positions. This is the first principle and a red line.

How do we recognize the enemy? How do we discover their tendencies? How do we understand whether this action is beneficial or harmful to the enemy? This is the fundamental point. This is where complete diligence, absolute avoidance of negligence, and full vigilance and awareness are required. If there is a place where something is not clear to you, you should not act there. If you see the ground is firm, step on it; if you see it is suspicious, do not step on it. Therefore, do not be conservative, but be vigilant; this is the political line. Of course, it is hard and not easy; but you are also men of hard work; you are Basij and must take on this hard work.

It may be that a certain university organization does not have the capacity to even hear this statement; but as the Basij, you must have the capacity to do this; that is how much you differ. Our dear student from Tabriz spoke very well and summarized effectively. Such mindsets - summarizing and viewing issues from above the political lines and factional games - are exactly what I expect from a Basij student.

The student jihad camps are a very good initiative and one of the branches of assisting the government; I will discuss this later. The question of whether the Basij should enter the field of science or not is one of those questions that astonishes me! Why shouldn’t it?! The Basij should be at the forefront of entering the field of science. You must go and seize the scientific fields, the fields of technology, the scientific innovations, and the unexplored horizons of science. Of course, it cannot be done without studying and working; there is a way for this, and I will discuss it later.

Regarding the Basij, I would like to elaborate a bit on the point that some of my dear ones also referred to. The Basij is a two-dimensional organization: one connection to the student environment and university and one connection to the IRGC. What is the IRGC? Is the IRGC merely a military organization? No, the IRGC is a symbol of revolutionary and courageous resistance; never forget this. Do not think that the IRGC is merely a military organization; then some come and say: the IRGC is a military organization, we are not military! No, the IRGC is more than a military organization.

The IRGC is a collection that has grown from the fertile soil of the Islamic Revolution for resistance, for striving, for the same goals for which you are studying in university today. Where? In the field of struggle! This is the meaning of the IRGC. Of course, no one expected it; but it has also experienced unprecedented and extraordinary growth. Many of the main elements of the IRGC were young people like you and sometimes even younger than you. One time they learned that the enemy had attacked; they left behind their studies, exams, classes, professors, and comfortable lives and went to the front; "So among them are some who have fulfilled their vow, and among them are some who are still waiting": some were martyred, some were injured, and some returned; this is the IRGC. Of course, it is clear that "the judgment of the hidden is based on the outcome"; I do not say that everyone who went to the front and wore the IRGC uniform is an angel; no, some of these angels turned into devils! The characteristic of humanity is that if one does not take care of oneself - even at the time when one reaches the level of an angel - there is a possibility of falling and one may fall. Some fell; but they do not constitute the identity of the IRGC; the identity of the IRGC is what I said - of course, within this identity, people are at different levels.

So you are connected from one dimension to the university and student environment, to study, science, discussion, and research, and from another dimension to the IRGC; this is a special characteristic. Now, with these two dimensions, are you IRGC members or students and a student organization?! This is an important question. The answer is no, you are not military; you are students and a student organization; however, a student organization that relies on a secure point - which is the symbol of resistance - of course, this reliance does not limit its movement, does not bind its hands and feet, does not restrict its scientific work, does not make its identity military, but gives it a reserve of the achievements of jihadist experience and the discipline arising from this experience; this benefits the student organization: you benefit from its goodness, but you do not become military.

Of course, I should immediately say: being military is by no means a weakness; being military is an honor; however, you do not have this honor in the student environment; you have other honors. This honor belongs to the military environment. Yes, a Basij student may participate in exercises as an active Basij or special Basij or may also do other things and receive a military honor; there is no obstacle; but the body of the student Basij is not military; it is a student organization with the same characteristics as a student organization. Therefore, my advice is: remain a student and take pride in your connection with the IRGC. You are not military - being military is an honor; that military who is a member of the military organization of the IRGC - but if someone becomes military, it is an honor for them; no one is forced if they do not want to.

What distinguishes this organization from other organizations? Because among other organizations, there are also believing, revolutionary, and interested organizations. The difference between this organization and other organizations is: the Basij means an individual or a group ready to meet the needs of the Revolution, at any time and of any kind; this is the meaning of the Basij. An organization has been formed with this name, and you are a member of it. If someone is in another organization and has the same feelings as you, they are also Basij and just not officially part of your organization. Just as in the workshop, anyone who has this feeling is Basij. In the clergy and seminary environment, anyone who has this feeling is Basij. In the market and in the administration and in the village, anyone who has this feeling is Basij; this feeling that an individual is ready to be present at any time and in any field where they are needed.

When I say: my pride is to be a Basij member; I have tried to act this way. In the last year of my presidency - two or three months before the end of my presidency - I was speaking to a group of students at one of the universities and answering questions; one of the questions was what you intend to do after your presidency and what your job will be? I said: if the Imam tells me to go and become the ideological-political head of such and such a border post in the farthest southeast of the country, I will proudly go there and serve! If this task is within my capacity and they ask me to do it, I am ready and I will go there; I have prepared myself for this. I say this because you are my children. This is a father-son conversation; I do not want to talk about myself. Wherever and whenever you are needed, be present there. This is being Basij; this is what Basij means. Of course, some are 100% Basij, some are not 100%: 90%, 80%. Our country and our system need this, and fortunately, this is what they need. The secret of our steadfastness is this; the secret of our hope for the future is the same. There is no blind spot in our outlook ahead. Why? Because of this.

Today, we are a military force that has innovated in the complex world of problematic politics and economics; they do not let this truth be properly revealed. The Iranian nation and the Islamic Republic have had a noisy and impactful innovation. I have said many times, the world of politics - after numerous challenges and upheavals - has turned into a world of domination; that is, the division of the world into dominators and the dominated. A few countries are dominators, and the rest of the countries are dominated; in the dominating countries, the masses are dominated, and only a few are dominators. That is, the world's pyramid suddenly moves from a wide base to a small apex that governs the entire world; this is the world of domination. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the world of domination has narrowed even further; that is, this apex has somehow become monopolized by one government and one power, and that is America. America is not satisfied; Russia, which has yielded to America, is still not satisfied and continues to advance; now see the establishment of missile systems in NATO territory - in Europe - this is one of those actions; or see America's presence in the Caucasus; the Caucasus was once the backyard of the Russians! America is continuously encircling Russia.

Now, in this world of domination - where even European governments, which themselves are part of the power family, do not dare to speak much against American power and only occasionally complain; let alone medium and lower governments - a nation has emerged that has questioned all the certainties of that apex of power; all the political certainties of the apex of power have come under question. Questioning, in itself, is not something; but the problem for America is that this political dispute has a huge audience. Who are the spectators? The nations; who are watching and seeing. The impact this has on the spirits of the nations is more bitter for the arrogant power of America than any poison. Today, in those countries where America dominates their governments - in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America - among their nations, America is the most hated government in the world. This has not happened by itself; this has not happened by coincidence.

Appreciate the martyrs of your front, appreciate those oppressed resistances, appreciate the steadfastness and solidity stronger than steel of our late Imam; these are what have influenced the Palestinian nation in one way, the Lebanese nation in another way, the nations of Latin America in one way, the South African nation in one way, the nations of the Middle East in one way, and many Arab nations - whose governments are dependent on America - in one way. The important thing is that the Iranian youth should know where Iran stands in this front. There is a great war and a major challenge in the world; it is not a war of guns and cannons, but a war of wills, determination, policies, and strategies. Where does Iran stand in this war? Iran is positioned in a command center of this war that is formed by the nations. Let us not overlook the fact that when the President of Iran goes to Indonesia, they chant slogans for him in Friday prayers, they chant slogans for him in universities, they chant slogans for him among the professors, and if they were allowed to walk in the streets and markets, the people would also chant slogans for him. These are significant matters.

During my presidency, I went to Pakistan; there was such a demonstration that despite the fact that Reagan - the President of America - was supposed to go after my trip and visit Pakistan, he did not go anymore! They saw it was a disgrace for him; because the situation that the people created in welcoming the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, if he had gone, it would not have been the same. Now, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, whenever he wants to go to any country in the eastern region - whether Islamic or even non-Islamic - when they tell the people, their reaction is enthusiastic, with expressions of interest and support; when they tell them the President of America wants to come, they burn his picture and tear his flag! This is how it is. Today, in the world, the political front and the war of wills, determination, and strategies are arranged in this way; the formation of this front is like this.

The command center on this side of this front is Iran: Iran, full of determination and will, but with empty hands; because a hundred years before it, the treacherous monarchs of Pahlavi and Qajar inflicted every blow they could, plundered, and harmed; now starting from zero. The other side has been engaged in self-building for two hundred years - both from within itself and with what it has plundered from the world - and its hands are full in terms of science and economy. This side - in terms of apparent numbers and apparent support; that is, money and weapons - is empty; but at the same time, when the world looks, it sees these two sides as equal, and in some places, it sees the weight of this Hezbollah force as heavier.

Why does it see it as heavier? What do we have? That same feeling of presence! Presence! We have a nation that is intertwined with the Revolution; it has emerged; it has sprung forth. Among this nation, which has various and diverse levels, the spirit of a large majority is that wherever and whenever necessary, they shield their chests and come to the forefront. This is our strength. How has this been achieved? With the engine of faith, with the spirit of revolution, with the motivation of religion; this is a truth that the world leaders did not understand! They did not understand what strength religion gives to a nation and a system. The Islamic Republic naturally found itself in this path and in this quality; that is, faith. Now you - the student Basij - where do you stand in this command tent? Determine for yourselves and think about it; of course, with this calculation. The student community - especially when the Basij spirit and motivation prevails over it - is that unparalleled element; unparalleled. That is, for advancing this great movement, one cannot put a price on it anymore.

At the beginning of the year in Mashhad, I said; the enemy pursues three goals according to its plans. First: to keep the country behind economically; so that the government - which is an ideological, loyal, and supportive government of Islamic values - appears ineffective and incompetent; thus, the economic situation for this purpose must lag behind according to the enemy's plans. Second: to keep it behind scientifically; so that the future of the country will not progress and advance except by the ladder of science. The Iranian nation has no choice but to strengthen its scientific foundation and advance in science; God has also given it the talent. Third: to disrupt the unity and cohesion that exists between the Iranian nation - or between the Iranian nation and the Muslim nations - which is when we raised the slogan of "national unity and Islamic cohesion."

You can be active in all three areas regarding assisting the effectiveness of the government. It is not necessary for me to state the formula here - that some friends said is one-sided or two-sided - go find the formula. You are the Basij; if your organization has the necessary effectiveness - which it must have - and if the ministers who are members of the government cooperate with you - which they certainly will; because both Mr. Zahidi and Mr. Lankarani are themselves Basij members - you must find the way. See how you can utilize the government and the country and this vast multitude of believing and present youth with talent in the various advancements of the country; whether in scientific advancements and movements, in jihadist works, or in economic activities.

Of course, the youth should be mindful; I do not recommend that you go to study and then become a high-ranking member of a certain department - a minister's advisor or the like; no, I do not accept such things at all; a name and title that raises a person's credibility but has no reality in it is of no benefit. In the twists and turns of the vast activities of the country - whether economic activities or administrative activities - wherever possible, be a screw, be a cog! In this vast factory, if any of the screws are loose, the product will be defective. In the production line, you have seen; workers stand in rows, and each of them has the job of tightening this screw or performing other tasks. Each of these tasks impacts the overall functioning of this machine. This must be ensured.

The student Basij has needs; essential and fundamental needs: the first need is for thought, analysis, and insight. Thought, reflection, theoretical work - or as you say, theoretical work - in the context of Islamic issues, in the context of revolutionary issues, in the context of international issues, and in the context of current issues; so that the Basij student has a clearer mind, a more eloquent tongue, and more initiative in every student gathering. As I said and pointed out, look at the realities beyond the political factionalism and see; look from above and see the front. In a broad front that may be a hundred kilometers long, there are various units; one person in one unit only sees himself. But the one who passes overhead in a helicopter sees the battle formation of all these units. Look at the country's situation from above; then you will correctly find your place, where you should be, what you should do, what you should be sensitive to, and what you should not be sensitive to. As I said, sometimes a true statement should not be made; because saying this statement completes the enemy's puzzle. Be careful not to be the one who completes the enemy's puzzle at any stage.

Another need is scientific jihad. Scientific jihad is necessary for you. You must enter the fields of science; ministries must also assist; research departments must also assist; the administrative and financial departments of universities and ministries must also provide financial assistance; the Basij Resistance Organization must also support in some areas.

Another major need of yours is the issue of ethics and spirituality. You are good youth; I say this without flattery; honestly, our Basij youth are good youth. But goodness has levels. Never consider a limit in being good and becoming better; always be in the process of rising higher. Strive to avoid sin. Perform your duties with enthusiasm and eagerness. Do not forget God. Get close to the Quran. In the various environments where you are together, strive to help each other in piety and spirituality. If a friend is stepping wrong somewhere, kindly and compassionately guide them back. My dear ones! Cultivate yourselves in terms of ethics. A person can train themselves in all actions, all traits, and all behaviors; especially in the season of youth that you are in. In our season - the season of old age - it is not impossible, but it is very hard. In your season, it is much easier. If you are disorganized and want to organize yourselves, it is easy. If you are stingy and want to give yourselves generosity, it is easy. If you are ill-tempered and frown and complain and want to give yourselves good manners, it is easy. If you are gossipers and fault-finders and want to hold yourselves back, it is easy. With practice! With practice, you can truly move towards elevation; you need this. These youth who first enter university often have pure hearts and also want to find a center of spirituality and join it; the Basij is what they seek and they expect from the Basij. In a sense, you are similar to us clerics: people expect more from clerics; they also expect more from the Basij. Therefore, ethics and spirituality are also among your major needs! Promote ethical lessons among yourselves. Utilize ethical teachers and preachers. Of course, be careful not to fall into the webs of worldly merchants and shopkeepers; these days, there are many of these: shopkeepers who claim to have seen the Imam in the name of spirituality and ...! There is no reality in it. Be careful not to become their captives.

Among your needs is a think tank. I wish we would do less borrowing of foreign terms. Unfortunately, our shortcomings have led us to borrow. "Think tank" is a direct translation from English. I do not want to use the term "think tank," but there is no choice. Create a think tank - the same think tank in centers - let them sit and think, generate high-level ideas. Use trustworthy, reliable, and thoughtful individuals. The publications of the student Basij should be among the richest and most valuable publications that any student or professor or anyone outside the university can look at and benefit from; this is among your needs.

One of the needs is the selection of qualified individuals in various sections of this large organization. Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified) always advised everyone - including students - to beware of infiltrators; this was indeed the case. In the early days, among the skilled infiltrators were members of the Tudeh Party who, with flattery and deception and hypocrisy, disguised themselves. Later, of course, some others learned from them and entered various organizations and different sections of the system and brought it to a point where they even claimed dual sovereignty. You remember; this was four or five years ago. Dual sovereignty, division, division at the top! It is a very strange thing! They even reached this point. Be careful; division and splitting and becoming two factions is dangerous; one separates from a group because of a thought, and another separates from the other side because of another thought; while these thoughts may be correct, they may not be important enough to break this unity. When I said national unity, well, national unity for you Basij students starts from your own Basij: organizational and structural unity. Do not let them tear you apart.

And one recommendation that you truly need - even though you are Basij and your movement is high - is to be careful not to lose your momentum and to avoid laziness; this is very important. Not being complacent is very important.

In my opinion, the student Basij, with these recommendations I have presented, with the insights and awareness that you have within yourselves - which I heard a sample of today from you - God willing, will bring more blessings for the future of the country than in the past. I feel that God willing, the Basij and especially the student Basij will achieve even more abundant blessings in the future.

Well, we have more to say to you than this; you also have much to say to us; but what can we do that unfortunately time is short, and we must entrust you to God. O Lord! Illuminate these young hearts with the light of knowledge and Your grace. O Lord! Grant us also the illumination through the grace and light of these youths. O Lord! Make us more successful day by day in the difficult jihad in Your path; make our determination and intention steadfast and enduring. O Lord! Destroy the enemies of the Iranian nation and the enemies of the Islamic Revolution; bring the Iranian nation to its great aspirations; unite the pure souls of our dear and great Imam and our precious martyrs with the souls of the Imams of guidance (peace be upon them) and the martyrs of early Islam; make the sacred heart of the Awaited Imam (may our souls be sacrificed for him) pleased and satisfied with us.

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