Statements of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Meeting with the Elected Experts of the Nation

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

I welcome all the esteemed gentlemen and ask the Almighty God to accept these efforts and endeavors and to bestow His grace, mercy, and blessings upon all.

I congratulate you on the blessed months of Sha'ban; both the days of Sha'ban and the festivals of Sha'ban; especially the births we have reviewed and the upcoming birth of the Awaited Savior (may our souls be sacrificed for him), and may the Almighty God grant us the ability to draw closer to the divine straight path through the blessings of these sacred and blessed existences.

I must express my gratitude to the current Assembly of Experts, which apparently held its last session and accomplished valuable work during its term; firstly, the numerous and doubled sessions—almost twice as many as the previous term—addressing important issues in these sessions and the side activities that have taken place, which the public must be informed about. For instance, good work has been done in the secretariat; such as the publication of multiple issues of the Islamic Government magazine, which includes valuable and research-based discussions; a research center has been established where issues are raised and studied; scientific-specialized meetings regarding issues related to the Experts have been held; and scientific programs on the issue of the Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist and leadership-related matters have been produced and broadcasted in collaboration with the media, made available to the public. These are valuable works that have been accomplished. The statements of the Assembly of Experts in each term—of which I saw the statement in this session—are very dignified and encompass important discussions, reflecting the inclinations and orientations of the elite scientific and political figures of the country regarding the fundamental issues of the revolution and the system. We must thank each and every one of you.

What I want to discuss today is the position of the Assembly of Experts. The Assembly of Experts is, in fact, a tremendous support for the system; like a spiritual reserve fund for the system. It is a spiritual backing and reserve that must be present, ready, operational, and up-to-date for when it is needed; just as countries keep their armed forces prepared, spending years in their barracks without actually doing anything; but they keep them ready and up-to-date for the moment of need. The issue of the Assembly of Experts is something like that. If this assembly does not exist, at the moment of leadership vacuum, no hand or finger will be able to solve the problems that will arise. This is the assembly whose work is fundamentally crucial at the moment of crisis and necessity. This assembly must always exist, always be ready to act, be aware of the situation, constantly assess the ongoing, important, and fundamental issues of the country, and perform its main task—choosing the leadership—when the need arises. This demonstrates the importance of the Assembly of Experts. In times of crisis, the unique role of this assembly is paramount.

And one can see that the mechanism that the Constitution has provided for the formation of the Assembly of Experts is the most rational and dignified mechanism. Otherwise, if it were to be the case that at the moment of need, when a leader must be chosen by the people or by a specific group—which has no precedent—there would certainly be problems and dilemmas for that group that would be unsolvable. The Constitution has fully involved the people in the matter through the elections of the Experts; the people choose, creating this spiritual reserve for the country, and this spiritual reserve performs its necessary function when needed. This is the main task, and the importance of the Assembly of Experts can be understood from here.

Well, what follows from this meaning are the requirements that this important position and role brings with it. It is natural that the more important the task and the more fundamental and central the role, the more serious requirements will accompany it.

The first thing that counts as a requirement of this position is that we must place the Assembly of Experts in a situation that is reassuring and acceptable to the people. Any action that leads to the weakening of the position of the Assembly of Experts is contrary to this approach. The Assembly of Experts must not be weakened. The people enter the arena, think, study, consult, and vote, and this assembly is formed; thus, it is an assembly that the people themselves have formed, just as this assembly, of which you esteemed gentlemen are representatives, faced propaganda against public participation in this election from beyond our borders eight years ago before the elections were to be held; that is, foreign media started a long campaign well before the elections to dishearten the people regarding the Assembly of Experts, to portray it as insignificant and useless, and to prevent public participation. As always, those words echoed inside as well, and unfortunately, some individuals inside followed the same voices to keep the people away from the ballot boxes. This campaign began months before the elections of the Experts. Well, despite all this, the people came; eighteen million—an extremely high number—participated in such an election, voted, and thanks be to God, this assembly was formed.

The people trust; this trust must not be undermined in any way; whether in various propaganda related to this assembly—which we will face now—or in various statements motivated by political or non-political reasons. Anything that causes the people to doubt this important and effective assembly and diminishes their trust must not come from individuals. This is one of the requirements that we must not allow to be shaken by unconsidered statements, the trust that the people have expressed and which has been reiterated over several terms.

Another task that must be accomplished is that this assembly must possess dignity; that is, those who participate in this assembly must, after being elected and coming here, have the necessary dignity and position in terms of knowledge, politics, social standing, and piety so that on the day they are to make a choice, their choice reassures the people. Thus, the dignity of this assembly is also one of the very important issues.

Qualified individuals must strive to place themselves in this position; that is, anyone who feels they can and are qualified to be a member of such an assembly for duty and for the sake of God, and to perform the duty that will be assigned to them at a time known only to God, must freely, independently, and with attention to their religious duty, engage in this matter. Anyone who has such confidence in themselves, in my opinion, has a religious duty to present themselves in this regard and enter the arena. We have repeatedly stated regarding other elections that those who see themselves qualified to enter the arena for the presidential elections, parliamentary representation, and similar matters should do so; however, in this case, this issue is more emphasized than in other elections. Those who truly feel they have this qualification and capability should come, enter this arena, and present themselves for the people's choice and presence in this important and respected assembly. All people must also feel a duty. Now, God willing, we will present the people with some matters regarding the Assembly of Experts and have recommendations that we will convey to the people. It is not too late. In summary, we should state here that this is a public duty; everyone should feel they have a duty to perform this task. This is also one of the things that must be considered to maintain the credibility of this assembly.

This assembly is not a place for factional issues, party games, or group play; the goal of this assembly and the purpose for which it was established is a completely public and national issue. It is not an issue that factional motivations and partisan disagreements should have the right to interfere in the work of this assembly. This assembly is above such matters. Therefore, those with political beliefs and tendencies can be present everywhere, including in this assembly; however, the place for the application of these motivations and factional biases is not here. We must seriously avoid these factional motivations.

What I can tell you esteemed gentlemen about the current situation of the country is that, thanks be to God and His good grace, the general situation of the country is progressing in all areas. Let us not allow some temporary calculations or some short-term phenomena to distract us from a long-term view of what exists; no, we are truly moving forward towards the goals of the revolution, and what is clear and tangible in the country now is the acceleration of constructive activities. Truly and fairly, the current officials are moving rapidly towards the necessary tasks envisioned for the country, with speed, without wasting opportunities; their orientations and targetings are also correct. The targeting of "social justice" is a goal that we all pursue; this is the very philosophy of our existence. Or the goal of "addressing underprivileged and remote areas"—these are among our aspirations.

Among the individuals who are currently active in the government and executive branch, one observes that there are many open-minded, active, and scholarly perspectives among them. In addition to what one can see in their work signs, in the official reports and information, and in meetings we have with some of the esteemed ministers, one observes and sees logical mindsets, based on scientific perspectives, and free from complacency in calculations. Currently, the programs are such. They are thinking, working, reviewing, and acting continuously; this is very valuable. A group of young, energetic, and fresh individuals has entered the arena and is working well. I hear and see the propaganda from various sides—mainly from opponents outside the country and those opposed to the system—against the current orientations; this is evident before our eyes; we see all this news, hear it, and understand who the targets of this propaganda are and whose minds they want to divert from the realities. The reality is that, as I mentioned, work is being done in all areas in the true sense of the word; and it is good work. Well, its effect has been that in the people—especially among the youth—there has truly emerged a spirit of activity; the spirit of work, hope, and looking to the future; this is also understood and felt from the people's visits and the information one has.

In the field of foreign policy, it is the same. Today, our activity and dynamism in foreign policy are good, and one can see this activity and dynamism and wide-ranging efforts. The initiative is also in the hands of the Islamic Republic in many global issues; especially in regional matters. This is an unprecedented and rare phenomenon where the initiative is in the hands of the officials of the Islamic Republic. It is not the case that they sit and wait for others to say something, and they respond with either opposition or agreement; no, they take action and initiative. Fortunately, the events that have occurred—which are truly divine aids—have also helped. The astonishing event in Lebanon is one of these occurrences. Truly, it is an example of: "And you did not throw when you threw, but it was God who threw." This event in Lebanon was significant and important. An army that neighboring powerful countries did not think could resist, let alone inflict such a blow. The Zionist enemy in Lebanon, even against a portion of Lebanon's capabilities, not only was halted but also suffered a blow, was disgraced, and could not achieve the goals it had outlined; not even a tenth of them. This is a very strange event. The opponents and adversaries of Islam and Muslims are unwilling to admit this; however, it can be clearly understood from the context of their words. They are bewildered! They are stuck! It is a tremendous event that is completely incomprehensible and analyzable. Now they want to sit down and discuss and analyze what happened that led to this; but it happened. This divine aid and grace was achieved through struggle and effort.

In Palestine, it is the same; the recent victory of Hamas in the popular elections and the coming to power of the Hamas government; this is an easy statement to make. Hamas, a group that is pursued by both the occupying enemy and the government that came to power in collaboration with the occupying enemy and has been harassed and tormented by them for years, and their children and elderly were easily targeted and destroyed on the eastern coast and Gaza; such a group coming to power in Palestine! This was truly a surprising event; but it happened.

Now, the enemies of the Islamic system and the Islamic Republic propagate that Iran helped and supported this; however, what is true is that the Iranian nation and the Islamic system and the Islamic revolution have been strengthened by these great victories—which everyone knows are within the radius of the revolutionary movement of the Iranian nation—there is no doubt about this, and this has no precedent. Today, after many years, such a position has emerged for the Islamic Republic; this has clarified the credibility of the Islamic Republic, the dignity of the Islamic Republic, the greatness and influence of the revolution, and the resonance and appeal of the slogans and messages of the revolution for the entire world. Today, in all Arab countries and even Islamic countries, the hearts of the youth and the enlightened class of society are filled and overflowing with attachment to these slogans and orientations; one observes this, understands it from reports, and derives it from signs and effects.

Well, this helps us, and fortunately, we do not have any fundamental problems domestically. Of course, the work is hard; I recall during the blessed life of Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified), individuals from various agencies—whether ministries or other organizations—would come to the Imam and complain: "Sir, there is such a deficiency in such a place, there is this issue in such a place;" many times the Imam would respond to them: "Sir! The work is hard." In reality, it is just so. From wanting to being able and from being able to realization, there are great distances; one wants to do many things, but the path is long and has prerequisites. During these prerequisites, one must not be impatient. If it becomes clear that efforts are being made and the orientations are correct, one must wait for the results until, God willing, we achieve those results.

In the areas that you gentlemen mentioned, good work is being done. Fortunately, whether in the area of moral issues in society, cultural issues, or administrative issues, the officials are not indifferent; they feel the flaws and ailments, think about them, and are seeking remedies and are reaching results. Of course, some of these results may be correct, some may be wrong; some solutions may be effective, some may not be; these are always possible in all matters. Ultimately, one has a difficult path ahead to reach that point.

The last point I want to make is the concern and anxiety I have regarding the destructive actions that have become prevalent with the approach of elections in our country. Unfortunately, for some time now, this has become common; I am truly worried about the orientation I observe in various corners. Not that there are many individuals, no, there are a few; however, the same activity of a few disturbs the atmosphere of society; like a gathering of a thousand or two thousand people sitting together, and five or six of them have a cold and are constantly coughing; this disrupts the atmosphere of the assembly; it is truly like that.

Unfortunately, some individuals with various motivations, as the election season approaches, begin their destructive actions. Some with political motivations and some even with religious motivations target political figures, religious figures, revolutionary figures, respected scholars of the seminaries, and even esteemed clerics for destruction. What kind of action is this?! This has neither a religious logic nor a rational logic; neither does religion agree with this action, nor does reason. If one is truly dissatisfied with a certain orientation that they believe a certain person or group is following, the way is not through destruction and insult to individuals; the way is through clarification. From the beginning, the revolutionary movement was based on clarification, and truths were clarified. When one identifies a light somewhere, darkness will be recognized by itself. It is acceptable to also identify darkness. Naming individuals, destroying the faces of respected and esteemed figures has no rational logic. If some aim to obscure and ruin a deviant line, this is not the way; this will not achieve that goal. From a religious perspective, it is clear. Such actions are usually devoid of unintentional slander, unintentional lies, and statements made without knowledge. The Quran tells us: "Why, when you heard it, did not the believing men and believing women think well of themselves?" Why do you not have good thoughts about each other? Why do you not assume good faith? Well, if you do not accept someone, do not impose the effects that come from acceptance; however, for one to engage in destruction is a very bad action. What I want to say now regarding the elections is this point. There are other discussions regarding the elections that we will present later. They must be careful not to contaminate the elections—especially the elections of the Experts—with an atmosphere of destruction and tarnishing the image of individuals, accusing people—whether in the seminaries, in Tehran, or in the provinces. This is one of the things that everyone must pay attention to and give importance to. Until, God willing, the Almighty God opens the way and guides the people and their hearts; the hearts of the people are in the hands of God. Creating hope, motivation, and the determination to move towards the right work and goal, the Almighty God grants these to people. Let us ask the Almighty God and rely on Him. We must perform our duties, and leave the results to God. Whatever the Almighty God wills will happen; God willing, it will be the product of our good intentions and actions, and God willing, it will be what we desire. This is how we must move forward.

We ask the Almighty God to guide us all to the straight path and the divine straight path and to make our great, revolutionary, faithful, and wise nation more capable and successful in the duties that lie before it, and may the advancements we observe in scientific, technological, political, economic, and other fields, or the effects of them, increase day by day, God willing.

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