Text of the Supreme Leader's Statements at the Enthusiastic Gathering of the People of Kerman

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 and prophet, Abu al-Qasim al-Mustafa Muhammad, and upon his pure and chosen progeny, especially the Awaited One of God on earth.

I am very grateful to the Almighty God for granting me the opportunity to once again be present among you, the dear people of Kerman, and to see this city, which holds many cherished and precious memories for me, and to meet with its kind, faithful, and loyal people up close.

Our presence in various provinces of the country is primarily to express our devotion and sincerity to the people who, through years of difficult trials, have managed to advance the country towards its lofty goals with their patience, effort, struggle, and loyalty. This trip is also primarily to express my sincerity and devotion to you, the dear, faithful, and revolutionary people of this city and province. Especially with the bitter events that have occurred in this province over the past two or three years - the Bam earthquake, the Zarand earthquake, the previous crash of the military plane and the martyrdom of some of our dear ones in that incident, and before that, the prolonged seven-year drought in this province - the circumstances necessitated that I express my sincerity and sympathy to you, the people of the province, in person. I thank the Almighty God for granting me this opportunity to be present among you.

From the very first moment of my arrival in this city, the expressions of affection from you, the people, have once again caused me to feel humbled. In the streets, along the route, and in the grand gathering you have honored, the overwhelming affection of you, the people, is completely familiar to me; I have known this warmth, kindness, and loyalty for many years.

I take this opportunity to convey to you, the dear people of Kerman and those who have participated in this grand gathering from other cities in Kerman, the fundamental issues related to this province and the country's matters.

This city and province are endowed with historical honors. In this province, there are immortal figures that represent the roots of science, art, architecture, and profound religiosity and steadfast faith throughout the history of our country. The roots of science and art in this province can be traced back over a thousand years to the name of Muhammad ibn Isa al-Mahani, and after him, many great scientific, artistic, and literary figures - mathematicians, astronomers, scholars, jurists, poets, and artists - can be observed in the glorious historical past of this province and city.

This province and its noble people have bitter memories from the past - which are not so distant from us. What tyrannical kings - whether the Qajars or those before them - did to this city and its people. During the era of tyrannical regimes, devoid of spirituality, the spiritual values of this city were overlooked. In the bloody era of the Pahlavi regime, the talents of this city, the people of this city, and the very prominent and attractive realities of this city and province were left to neglect and oblivion. In 1979, on the day when the oppressed people of this province, weary from the accumulated oppressions they had suffered, raised their voices and gathered, they set fire to the Grand Mosque of this city and killed people. There are many bitter and sweet memories in the atmosphere of this city and province.

You are experienced people. Generations of Kermani have passed down the experiences and knowledge of the past from generation to generation. A Kermani is cultured, capable, patient, faithful, and mature, and can understand and analyze fundamental issues well. Throughout the struggle, after the victory, and during the revolution and imposed war, Kerman was able to demonstrate its prominent character in various fields. Great commanders, martyrs of the path of Islam, and renowned and honored martyrs have become the most distinguished figures of this province; young people who rose from the dust and shone in the skies; names that will never be forgotten by the people of Iran. In the realm of knowledge, governance, and politics, our dear martyr, the late Bahonar, is an unforgettable figure of this province. Thanks be to God, in our time, there are so many scholars, politicians, astronomers, mathematicians, poets, historians, writers, and storytellers from this province present throughout the country, and their well-known names are in everyone's minds that it is impossible to mention them all. This is the situation of the province.

The capacities, needs, wealth, and shortages of this province tell a separate story that I will refer to; however, primarily what I must convey to you, the faithful, aware, vigilant, and talented people, is that many of the current issues of the country stem from the sensitivity of our country's position in the historical progression of this nation and this country. To put it simply, I must say that the nation and country of Iran today find themselves in a very important, sensitive, and critical position. One should not mistakenly think that this critical or important position relates to foreign policy challenges; no, this importance does not relate to the fact that the nation and country of Iran are threatened by superpowers and bullies of the world in political matters or a specific issue. These threats and bullying have always existed, and the Iranian nation has always stood against bullying, greed, foreign interventions, and threats with a determined face, with firm resolve, with iron fists, and with wisdom and prudence, forcing the enemy to retreat and will continue to do so. Therefore, when we say the country is in an important and sensitive position, we do not mean foreign policy challenges; these are not significant for this country and this nation.

The issue is that during the twenty-some years of the Islamic Republic system - especially after the imposed war - by divine grace, our nation has been able to achieve great advancements and accomplish very important tasks in this country. The Iranian nation and the responsible and determined managers of the country have been able to significantly advance this country - which was the legacy of a corrupt and dependent government - build the fundamental infrastructures of this country; in terms of water, energy, industry, creativity, and scientific advancement, the country has attained a very good position.

Our country was deliberately kept backward during the tyrannical regime, and its talents were suppressed and chained. The policy of the arrogant world towards our country - like the eternal policy of arrogance towards countries - was to keep a milking cow for themselves; thus, they did not favor the country's advancement; they wanted to exploit the oil, mines, resources, and consumer market of the country. They could not bear to see a country advance scientifically and become their rival; they sought a consumer and a parasite at their table; the government was also dependent on them; the policies and programs were the same policies and programs.

The Islamic Revolution and the Islamic system freed the country from dependency; it removed these shackles and opened the path for the nation. Today, the country in industry, production, technology, science, and the establishment of fundamental infrastructures for the future of the country is incomparable to before the revolution. When we look at the statistics and indicators, some areas have improved by hundreds of percent, some by thousands of percent, and some by thousands of percent in fundamental indicators.

However, what is important for this country today is that the significant achievements of the period after the victory in the imposed war until now should be able to sweeten the people's lives. With the efforts made so far, the Iranian nation and the country's officials must be able to build the future while ensuring that the people enjoy social justice and welfare and continue to progress in various paths. The infrastructures of the country have been well constructed; however, what has been created must rescue the people's lives from poverty and deprivation. From what has been accomplished, the nation must be able to benefit. It is unfair if someone overlooks the efforts of various governments and the long years after the war. A significant amount of work has been done; however, for these works to benefit the lives of the general public and all regions of the country from their advantages and blessings, a series of other works are also necessary. Our critical and important situation is due to this.

We must connect the chain of constructions, productions, and advancements to the lives of the people; like water that has collected behind a dam and must be channeled to the people's fields so that they can benefit from it. Therefore, from all this progress that has taken place, the people's lives must be sweetened; this requires very important effort and planning. What the country needs today is that planning should be made to eradicate poverty and corruption and to ensure that the general public and various regions and all aspects of the country benefit from the advantages and blessings of the country's progress; policies and programs must be directed towards this goal.

The twenty-year outlook document of the country - which this year marks the beginning of - is a fundamental and important task; it clarifies and specifies the future horizon of the country for all people. In the course of implementing several programs, this outlook must be realized. This year also marks the beginning of the fourth program, which must be able to advance the outlook document by five years and, in terms of timing, bring it to its goals over these five years. These highlight the significance of these years for us.

At the beginning of the year, we stated that we should name this year "the Year of National Solidarity and Public Participation"; not just to have a naming done, but so that public participation can be realized and our united nation can take significant steps towards the lofty goals of the system behind the wise, faithful, and revolutionary officials and draw closer to those goals.

We cannot merely talk about social justice and hear about it. We cannot just speak about social righteousness. Religious belief, revolutionary faith, and national beliefs must deepen. Our country, with its faithful nation - which is also advancing in science and technology - must become a model of capability, power, and progress, to encourage the Muslims of the world and elevate the name of Islam. Such a position and status is worthy of the Iranian nation. This historical moment is important for us for this reason.

This year is the year of presidential elections; this is also a very important juncture. Every election for our nation and the public atmosphere of the country is like a breeze that changes and perfumes the atmosphere; it creates fresh air in the country's environment and awakens new hopes in hearts. The election scene - especially the presidential election - is one of the most serious, enthusiastic, and attractive scenes of public participation.

This election is important for our nation; just as it is important for our enemies. For several months, the enemies' propaganda programs have focused on the presidential election on June 17. What they want regarding the election is precisely the opposite of what the national interests of our country and nation demand. They want the election to be lackluster and for the people not to participate in the election. They want the election not to create assurance and trust in the people. Today, the propaganda of foreign propagandists is focused on these points; to dishearten, instill distrust, and make the people indifferent towards the election; precisely the opposite of what is important for our nation and country.

The election can be a means of security for the country and the nation and a manifestation of power, strengthening the nation and the executive system of the country in confronting various global challenges, more firmly than in the past. A vibrant election by the people can mark a new day for them. The election is one of the most important and fundamental events, both in the external scene and in the eyes of foreigners, as well as in the internal scene and for the country's progress. The enemy wants there to be no election. If they could influence the people or political groups, they would do something to prevent the election from being held at all; something they wanted to do in the seventh parliamentary election and wished that no election would take place.

The fact that an Islamic system - a system under the banner of monotheism and religion - can present democracy in a clear and obvious manner and with a clear voice before the eyes of the world is precisely the opposite of the propaganda of the global liberal democracy. They want to say that democracy is exclusive to us. They cannot bear that an Islamic and religious system, with its lofty faith values, can institutionalize democracy in this way. Over the past twenty-five years, at least twenty-five elections have been held in this country, and the people have gone to the polls and realized their options and desires and elected their officials. Therefore, the presidential election is very important.

The election is approaching. The people must go to the ballot boxes consciously and choose. As we mentioned, the election is a very beautiful and attractive manifestation of public participation; it is the most effective means for each individual to realize their ideals and desires in an executive framework and bring them closer to realization. If you choose someone according to your ideals and wishes, the possibility of those wishes coming true becomes closer to reality. When you choose someone whom you think is suitable and worthy for realizing your wishes and desires and for unlocking important knots in your life, you have taken the most significant step to eliminate these problems. Every desire - whether material or spiritual - can be realized in this election and in determining the head of the executive branch.

The President has a very important role in our country; foreign propaganda wants to show the opposite. They speak maliciously. The President is one of the most effective, and in the executive apparatus, the most effective element for solving the country's issues. Among the country's officials, no official has as many facilities and capabilities and such a vast arena for serving as the President does. The country's budget and all top executive officials are at his disposal; he is the one who can develop the country and advance it in terms of science, industry, humanitarian issues, or security; it is his competence and capabilities that can sweeten the lives of the people. What the nation and country need is an efficient and capable President. The sensitive and historical responsibilities of today rest on the shoulders of our head of the executive branch. The law has placed everything at the disposal of the head of the executive branch.

A person who possesses efficiency and competence and believes in the goals and independence of this nation and the necessity of advancing this country can accomplish many tasks; just as, thanks be to God, various governments have accomplished great works over the years. The fruits of their work are at the disposal of the subsequent officials who come to complete these tasks in the service of the people and sweeten their lives.

Of course, the leadership does not hesitate to support the President. Whoever the people choose and the legal President of the country becomes, he has always been respected, honored, and supported by the leadership in all governments; and it must continue to be so.

However, what is of primary importance is that the attention of all the people, the elites, and various officials in different sectors should be to elect a President who can solve the knots of the people's lives in the current period; who recognizes the duties of this period and acts upon them with strength and authority. God willing, the people will do what it takes for the Almighty God to decree a President with these capabilities and approaches for this country.

Every period has its characteristics, and each of the officials in past periods has done their work. Today, we need efforts, advancements, and scientific and technological growth in our country, accompanied by social justice and the fight against corruption. What is very important for the future President is to be fully dedicated to working and striving for the people. Therefore, I stated at the beginning of the year; what the country needs is a lively, determined, capable, diligent, and patient President; a President who appreciates the people; is sincere with the people; strives for the people; works and endeavors for the people; utilizes the country's capacities in such a way that the people can benefit from these capacities everywhere; a President for whom the depths of the country and the remote villages are no different from Tehran; who considers the rights of the people of large and small cities to be equal; who can strive and work to eliminate discrimination and bridge the gap between the rich and the poor; a courageous President, with prudence and faith in the goals of the revolution and the system.

Of course, it is evident that the leadership does not support any specific individual; it supports the criteria. We seek to see these criteria realized. I am looking for someone to come to power and manage the executive branch who considers himself a servant of the people and has the capability and is committed to the ideals of Imam and the Islamic system and genuinely values justice and the fight against corruption. We pray that God guides the hearts of the people towards this direction so that they can choose such a person - who is needed at this critical historical moment of this country.

If the Almighty God grants that an efficient, capable, lively, and enthusiastic President who prioritizes love for the people, justice, and the fight against corruption comes to power, I tell you that many of the fundamental problems of this country - both internal and external issues - will be resolved.

What is perceived as a danger by global arrogance today is that Muslim nations take their identity, character, authenticity, and independence seriously. As we mentioned, they wish that the Islamic region, the Eastern countries, countries that have lagged behind the caravan of scientific advancement for various reasons, remain in the depths of ignorance and incapacity. They oppose any advancement in any backward country. When they see a backward country from the era of the tyrannical regime has now become a country that has courage in scientific and industrial fields and has entered into complex industrial and technological arenas, they feel threatened.

What angers America and other arrogant powers is that a nation wants to know and decide for itself. America tells our country and our people and many other nations, "Do not decide so that I can decide for you; do not choose so that I can choose for you; do not utilize your resources so that I can exploit them." America's message is to accept our domination, interference, and presence over your country and resources; if you do not accept, we will accuse you of supporting terrorism and opposing human rights and other things.

Our nation has shown that in the face of such bullying and threats, and in the face of the shameless face of American rulers, it clenches its fists; it says, "We will confront anyone who threatens our independence, identity, national interests, and dignity and will strike them in the face."

The shamelessness and audacity of global arrogance have reached the point where they express that Iran does not need nuclear energy! What business is it of yours! What right do you have to judge whether a nation has the right to use nuclear energy or not? Rulers who are among the most wicked figures in the world, rulers whose fingers drip blood in various parts of the world, a world-dominating government that has oppressed various nations wherever it could, and whose slogan and method is deceit and trickery, accuses the Islamic Republic and the Iranian nation of lying; is there any greater audacity than this?!

They say, "Why should the Iranian nation use nuclear energy?" Why shouldn't it? The Iranian nation did not borrow nuclear energy from you, did not beg for it, and did not request it from you; our youth, our scholars, and our brilliant talents were able to achieve it themselves; this is a national achievement.

Arrogant spokespeople announce that we are waiting for the elections in Iran to then decide on the peaceful nuclear energy issue in Iran! What does the Iranian election have to do with you?! The election belongs to the Iranian nation. Whoever comes to power through this election and becomes the President of the people will neither want nor allow to take a step contrary to their interests.

The Islamic Revolution and the Islamic system have awakened the people; they have made them aware of their rights; they have freed their talents, and they can reach high ranks. Today, some cities in your province rank very high in terms of talent, university admissions, and scientific advancement. In the oppressive environment of the tyrannical regime, who could have imagined that the youth and children of the remote cities of this province could shine in the fields of science and progress like this? Today, this has happened; and with God's grace, it will continue to increase day by day.

Let me say a few words about this province. This province has very high capacities. The natural and human resources of this province are abundant. This province has, thanks be to God, developed advanced industries. There are unparalleled mineral, agricultural, and horticultural capacities in this province. There are many historical artifacts and tourist attractions here. This province also has a high share in non-oil exports. It has unique capabilities in livestock and seed improvement and things of this nature. There is the possibility of creating solar power plants here. Above all, the talented human resources and 67% of the youth in this province are a tremendous wealth. This province possesses these important resources; however, the economic and social situation of the province is not as it should be given all these capacities and possibilities. Some areas of this province are very deprived. I had seen this province before the revolution and had visited its deprived areas. I was exiled in Jiroft, and on that day, I saw Kahnuj up close; I know how the people's situation is. Our friends in various cities of this province - in Baft, Babak city, and other places - were exiled; thus, we heard about the situation of these areas back then. Of course, after the victory of the revolution, many works have been done in these areas, which were once only dreams; however, what has been done is still far from what should have been accomplished. It is said that the north and south of this province have different levels of social justice. Of course, the meaning of social justice is not that we should reduce the advancements of the developed sector; no, we must increase our assistance to the underdeveloped sector so that it can progress.

Today, this province needs employment and entrepreneurship. Before my arrival in this province, as is customary in all other trips, our friends contacted various segments of the people and conveyed the results of their reports to us. They ask the youth and the people what their demands and expectations from the leadership are. The most frequent responses are employment, livelihood, and youth issues. The issues of youth, that is, the employment of youth, the livelihood of youth, and family formation for youth. These are the fundamental issues of this province.

Let not the officials, like some of the past periods, occupy themselves with political issues; with empty political slogans, distract themselves and the people from the realities of people's lives. Both the people and the elites must be vigilant, and political currents and groups must be careful not to waste this nation's time with empty political rhetoric.

The more one studies the reports of the provincial officials and sector officials before the trip, the more they focus on advancements - whether in agriculture, industry, mining, and so on - and this is correct; these advancements have occurred; however, when one looks at the reports of some of the trusted representatives of the people, they focus on the people's problems and deprivations; this is also correct. Both are saying the truth; good advancements have occurred in the province; however, these advancements have not been able to fill the many gaps in the lives of all sectors of the people of the province; this means that we need to work; we must sweat and strive. This work must be directed; the direction must be justice; the direction must be to bridge the gap between the poor and the rich; the direction must be to uplift the lives of the deprived people; people who stood at the forefront and faced the dangers of the enemy during difficult trials and will continue to do so.

In this trip, we conduct a relatively comprehensive and extensive study. Government officials assist, and usually in such trips, they provide us with both the realities to see and the government assistance to alleviate some of the people's problems within the country's capabilities. However, what worries me in this trip is that we are now at the end of the government's term. The current government officials will not be in power for a long time; the officials who will come later may overlook this issue. Before coming to Kerman, I told the President; I also tell all officials - whether provincial officials or national officials related to the issues of this province - that in the two or three months remaining of the current government's term, they should strive to ensure that the decisions made in this trip become executive directives. They should ensure that the future government knows what to do regarding Kerman and how to implement these decisions.

Here, I address the future President, who we do not know who it will be, and the ministers whose identities we do not know, in front of the people; you too, when you come, must follow this thread; you must be able to implement these directives so that the decisions made in this trip for the situation of Kerman and the dear people of Kerman, God willing, reach the stage of implementation.

My meeting today with you, the dear, kind, warm-hearted, faithful, and loyal people of Kerman, will be among the unforgettable meetings for me. We hope to fulfill our duties towards you and all the affection you express. We hope that the executive officials, government officials, and officials of all sectors of the system recognize the value of you, the dear nation, and, God willing, fulfill the rights you have over them.

O Lord! Send down Your goodness, mercy, and blessings upon these dear ones. O Lord! Include the dear martyrs, the disabled, the self-sacrificing freedmen, and the families of the sacrificing and patient in this province in Your mercy and grace. O Lord! Grant us the ability to fulfill our duties towards these people. O Lord! Make what we have said, heard, decided, and will act upon a provision for our afterlife. O Lord! Make the heart of the holy guardian of the age (may our souls be sacrificed for him) pleased and satisfied with us.

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