Statements of the Supreme Leader Regarding Issues Arising After the Implementation of the Fuel Consumption Management Plan

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Thanks be to God, the Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings be upon our master Muhammad and his pure family, and God's curse upon all their enemies.

Before starting the discussion, I would like to mention that in the past couple of days, some incidents occurred following the resolution of the country's leaders, the heads of the branches of government; yesterday, last night, and the night before, in some cities of the country, and unfortunately, problems arose, some lost their lives, and some centers were destroyed. A few points must be noted; firstly, when something is a resolution of the country's leaders, one should look at it with optimism. I do not have expertise in this matter; I have told the gentlemen that since the opinions of experts regarding this gasoline issue vary—some consider it necessary and obligatory, while others deem it harmful—I am not an expert in these matters. I said I am not an expert, but if the heads of the three branches decide, I will support it. I said this, and I will support it. The heads of the branches have gathered, backed by expert opinions, to make a decision for the country; that decision must be implemented. This is one point.

The second point is that, yes, certainly some people may become worried or upset about this decision, or they may think it is against their interests, and in any case, they may become dissatisfied. However, setting fire to a bank is not the action of the people; it is the work of the wicked. This must be noted. In such incidents, usually, the wicked, the spiteful, and the unworthy individuals enter the scene; sometimes, some youths, out of excitement, accompany them, and this brings about such corruption. This corruption does not solve any problems except that, in addition to any existing problems, it adds insecurity. Insecurity is the greatest calamity for any country, for any society; this is their intention. You can observe that in these two days—essentially, in the two nights and one day that have passed since these events—all the centers of wickedness in the world have encouraged these actions against us, from the cursed family of the treacherous Pahlavis to the wicked and criminal Mojahedin. They are continuously encouraging and inciting these wicked acts in cyberspace and elsewhere. My point is that no one should assist these wicked individuals; no wise and worthy person who cares for their country and their comfortable life should help them; these are the wicked, and these actions are not the work of ordinary people.

Officials should also be careful, vigilant, and do everything possible to reduce the problems arising from this action. Now, I saw on television yesterday that some respected officials came and said that we are vigilant that this price increase does not lead to an increase in the prices of goods and commodities; well, yes, this is important, because there is currently inflation, and if it is to increase further, it will create many problems for the people; they must be vigilant. These precautions should be taken by them, and the officials responsible for the country's security must fulfill their duties. Our dear people, who fortunately have shown their insight and awareness in various matters of this country, should understand who is behind these bitter events and how they occur. They should understand that setting fires, destroying, and creating insecurity belongs to whom; they should realize this and pay attention, as the people are aware, and distance themselves from these individuals. This is our recommendation, and the country's officials must seriously fulfill their duties.

Ultimately, when a decision is made by the heads of the three branches, it is not a matter of the government or a ministry; the heads of the three branches of the country have gathered and made a decision; it is also based on expert backing. I said I am not an expert in this matter, but as someone who sees that the officials of the country have made a decision. During Imam Khomeini's (may his soul be sanctified) time, it was the same; certain actions were decided by the officials, the heads of the three branches, and were implemented; it is the same now. We hope, God willing, with the help of the people, the collaboration and synergy of the officials, their compassion and follow-up, and God's grace, this matter will proceed in the best possible manner.