Statements of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Meeting with Officials and Servants of the Islamic Republic of Iran

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 Muhammad, and upon his pure and chosen progeny, especially the Awaited One among the people of the earth.

First, I extend my greetings to all dear brothers and sisters and hope this meeting will be blessed and fruitful for all of us. Secondly, I thank Mr. President for his comprehensive remarks. They were very good, especially the part related to the moral and spiritual community, which included thought, faith, compassion, and keen insight.

I present a noble verse to adorn the beginning of our speech with divine words: "In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. That is the abode of the Hereafter, which We assign to those who do not seek exaltation in the earth or corruption, and the end is for the pious." I will also recite another verse here, about which I will say a few words at the end: "Indeed, those who turned back among you on the day the two armies met, it was Satan who caused them to slip because of some of what they earned, and indeed, God has forgiven them. Indeed, God is Forgiving and Forbearing."

Reaching the lofty goals of the Islamic system requires a determination as high as those goals and a steadfastness that can traverse this difficult path until reaching the peaks, and this is only possible through connection to the source of power. Wherever you have observed the governance of justice, religion, spirituality, and ethics throughout history, you have certainly seen at its center an aware heart and, in its entirety, hearts that are attentive and humble before God; this was also the case in the early days of Islam. In the course of past histories, wherever such a phenomenon has emerged - which has been rare - it has been the same. In our own time, this banner was raised by someone whose remembering heart and humble spirit before God were clearly observed, and its effects were seen. We must draw ourselves more towards this direction and incline ourselves; we must consider ourselves in need of divine assistance; we must feel this. We should not rely independently and inherently on our abilities and what we perceive as our power; we should seek help from God and consider ourselves in need of Him. Like Qarun and some past nations, as mentioned in the Quran in two places, we should not say: "Indeed, I was given it because of knowledge I have." This is wrong. Always seek help from God; consider the path open towards Him. The path for all of us is open to God: "And indeed, the traveler to You is near in distance, and You do not conceal Yourself from Your creatures except that their hopes conceal them from You." Whenever we turn to God with a pure heart and sincere intention, the doors of God's mercy will be opened, and divine grace will encompass us; let us know this and not fall short.

Furthermore, let us not consider ourselves as relatives of God and be deceived by a false kinship with Him. One of the things that we have been strongly warned against in prayers is "being deceived by God." Let us not say that because we are good servants of God, divine wrath will not befall us; no, this is wrong. The Almighty God has no kinship with anyone, with any nation, or with any people. It is their actions, intentions, truthfulness, and struggle that have an impact and attract divine mercy. Likewise, let us not disregard God for the sake of attracting the attention of the Pharaohs of the world and the tyrants of the time; this is another condition. If these things are done, we will connect to the inexhaustible source of divine power.

Another characteristic is specific to you and me; that is, we who have responsibilities and areas of authority, whether small or large. This is the essence of the verse I recited: "That is the abode of the Hereafter, which We assign to those who do not seek exaltation in the earth or corruption." Let us not pursue superiority and dominance over the people. This is difficult; however, it is possible and necessary. Seeking dominance is a plague that has always threatened the powerful of the world and has caused many to stumble. We who are not stronger than them must be careful and vigilant not to stumble. It has been narrated from Amir al-Mu'minin (peace be upon him) that he said: "This verse was revealed concerning the people of justice and humility among the rulers and the powerful among the people"; this verse is specifically for the powerful, rulers, and officials, from high-ranking leaders to middle management and wherever there is an area of power. The plague of our work is that we use the area of authority for seeking dominance, bullying, and greed; this is a great danger. The end of the verse states: "And the end is for the pious." Some have said this end refers to the Hereafter; others have suggested it may also include this world, which we believe is the case. The end belongs to the pious. The good outcome in this world and the Hereafter belongs to those who are pious and God-conscious.

What I understand in general for our work - as we have been tested with responsibilities - is that we must influence the Hereafter in all our decisions and actions and consider it significant. Some give importance to public opinion and oversight; however, they do not consider divine oversight and what our tomorrow entails. At every age, we are on the edge of existence and non-existence. Of course, someone like us who has aged has a higher probability; however, the youth are the same. On the other side of the border of death, there is divine reckoning and accountability by the precise divine accountants. We must be mindful; life, eternity, and true destiny are there; let us give it significance. We have come for a few days to cultivate that place. In the speeches we make, in the signatures we give, in the consultations we provide, in the decisions we make, in the appointments and dismissals we carry out, let us influence the Hereafter and divine satisfaction and the reckoning of the Hereafter. This, in my opinion, is important. If this is the case, then power becomes good. Some imagine that power or wealth is inherently evil; whereas this is not the case; power and wealth, like other blessings of life, are adornments of life: "The adornment of this worldly life." How do we use this power? If we use it well, it is good; if we place it in the service of the people, it is good; if we place it in the service of promoting ethics, spirituality, and the salvation of humanity, it is good; however, if we place it in the service of personal desires and passions and use it against this and that like predatory animals, it becomes evil; the more there is, the more evil it becomes; the higher it is, the more severe its evil.

My dear ones! If you and I can guide our intentions in the positions we hold, we will achieve a great accomplishment, and accepting responsibility in such a system and country, for such a people, in such a world full of misguidance and turmoil, will be a great honor. In the supplications of Sahifa Sajjadiya, it is stated: "And grant us a good deed that we may hasten towards You." You have seen children who have worked well during exam night; they are impatient for the exam time to arrive; however, someone who has not studied and has not worked is afraid of the exam and wishes for it to be delayed as much as possible. When a person performs a prominent good deed - "that we may hasten towards You" - they feel a delay in reaching God; they feel it is late; they wish to reach divine meeting sooner because they know this good deed and this righteous action is waiting for them there. "And we strive for it to reach You quickly"; we wish to reach it as soon as possible. In such a state, a person finds psychological security in the face of worldly events and in the face of death. Death is terrifying for all humans; however, when a person reaches such a state, they find psychological security in the face of death and no longer fear or dread it. They know that there is such an important achievement on the other side. If you and I can perform this good intention, it is far superior to personal worship and personal actions.

I have noted a few points to mention. One is that we should recognize our area of responsibility and appreciate it. Our great country and esteemed nation, in addition to its historical, cultural, and invaluable heritage from the past, is itself the creator of honors and values. Today, we work and strive for such a nation and country. The young and efficient Islamic system is now in your hands; a system whose fundamental and value-based foundations have not been worn out or decayed by the passage of time and remains fresh, vibrant, and flourishing. Let us feel proud of our responsibility in this system.

Some characteristics are natural features of our country that stand out. I urge the officials who are aware of the divine natural blessings in our country and have good statistics to present these to public opinion and especially to the officials. Instead of reciting verses of despair and portraying every effort as unsuccessful, let them express all the possibilities, capabilities, and valuable resources that are hidden in this great country. We have approximately one percent of the world's population; our land is also about one percent of the world's land area; however, our share of natural resources is much greater than the average share of one percent. In oil, our reserves are prominent, and we are among the top few countries in the world. We have the second richest gas reserves in the world, which is much more than our average share. Two percent of the world's iron mines are in our country, which is double our share. Our copper mines account for five percent of all copper in the world; that is, five times our share. Our zinc and lead mines account for three and a half percent, which is several times our natural share in the world. Many countries do not have these. Specialists and informed individuals in this field have said - in my opinion, this is a very interesting point - that lead, zinc, and copper are called base metals. Any country that has these mines is likely to have most other mineral deposits as well. We may have undiscovered metallic mines that exist, and the presence of these three elements - copper, zinc, and lead - in our country, especially in large quantities, indicates the existence of those mines as well.

Of the twenty-four types of metallic minerals, twelve types are found in Iran that have been recognized so far; there may be more that will be recognized later. Of the fifty types of non-metallic minerals recognized in the world, thirty-six types are found in Iran; that is, a variety of metallic and non-metallic minerals. These are valuable natural resources that we have in our country. The climatic diversity and various weather conditions in our country itself is a great opportunity. The seas in the south and north are very valuable opportunities. The important geographical and communicative position in connecting the east and west of the world, in terms of trade and many other activities, is one of the valuable positions. Our young and talented population is another opportunity. It is regrettable that some refer to the abundance of young people in our country as a curse; while this is the greatest asset. This multitude of eager and active youth is very valuable. Of course, all the capabilities I have mentioned are small parts of what has been in the hands of tyrannical rulers and dictatorial governors in this country for centuries. Look at the biographies of these kings - of course, the texts we have more are the memoirs and reports from the Qajar and Pahlavi periods - they considered the country as their own; like a personal property where a few work there and ultimately must eat something and live. Therefore, the people had no role. Naturally, those kings and rulers did not care about the fate of the country and the scientific advancement of the country. Years passed like this, and our country did not utilize these capabilities. However, during the revolution, the advancements have been extraordinary and remarkable. What Mr. President said was very accurately expressed. Of course, the things that are said are just a glimpse of the successes.

The revolution and the Islamic system inherited a country that had about seventy percent illiteracy; however, today we have transformed into a country with a very high literacy rate, which I do not specify because I do not want one or two percent to be mentioned; however, its percentage is clear. In the development of universities and students, our country has achieved miraculous progress. We have more than ten times the number of students today compared to when the Islamic system was established. We have universities in all corners of the country. Which small or large city around this country does not have one or two or more universities? In the field of technology - petrochemicals, oil, steel, defense industries - we have made astonishing advancements. The defense systems produced in the country today were once a dream and a fantasy that our country could even have its own products; however, today they produce them. In advanced technology, which is proudly mentioned in the world, they have been forced to say that despite all hostilities, Iran is among the ten countries that have been able to produce nuclear fuel cycle. This is not a small achievement. Of course, when such success occurs, they also create a commotion that they want to do this and that; to build a bomb. These important advancements have come about thanks to the Islamic system.

Each of the important and large universities that I have occasionally visited - I have also been informed from afar, and when I go, I see - their research work is commendable. This is while the government's difficulties over the years have allowed less budget for research than it should have been. In the fields of medicine and also attention to the country's infrastructure - construction of dams, roads, maritime terminals for oil - we have made remarkable advancements. These have truly come about by the grace of the Lord and in the midst of independence and self-sufficiency. All the fundamental doors in the world were closed to us; perhaps this was a blessing for us: "Perhaps you dislike something, and God makes therein much good." Sometimes we are very upset that the doors of the world are closed to us; however, this causes us to focus on ourselves and utilize our own talents, leading to these growths and blossoms. Experts, domestic producers, are the main contributors. Of course, we have utilized global knowledge to the extent that we could; because global knowledge belongs to all humans; our knowledge also belongs to all humans. One day, the Islamic world served the entire world; today we also use global knowledge. During the revolution, we faced sanctions, war, various problems, and sabotage; however, thanks to the grace of the Lord, these successes have been achieved in the Islamic system and are among the honors of the Islamic system.

Alongside all these, one of the most important items is religious democracy; a democracy that arises from Islam, which is a source of pride for Muslims. This country has never tasted the manifestation of the people's will throughout its history; except for a very short period during the nationalization of the oil industry, which had all those limitations, and its story is lengthy. It was a very short time; then they could not bear it and destroyed it, and it could not sustain itself. We have been able to witness democracy, the presence of the people in elections, in determining the president, in determining the representatives of the parliament, and participation in political arenas and decision-making in our country; this is the great art of the Islamic system. Dear ones! We serve in such a system; let us take pride in this service. Transfer this pride to your youth; let the younger generation feel proud to live in an Islamic Iran. The enemy wants the opposite; they want to create a situation where our young and old feel ashamed. They magnify our weaknesses - which we certainly have weaknesses; all nations and all countries have weaknesses - and repeatedly propagate them. They repeat a lie so many times that even those involved, who know it is a lie, gradually come to believe it! This is how the enemy operates, to take away our sense of pride. Act contrary to this; promote the feeling of pride within yourselves, in your youth, and in this newly formed generation.

Thanks be to God, these are our capabilities. We also have challenges and problems; this is another point I want to mention. The challenges and problems are not just one or two - there are many - but I see the two most important ones as follows: one is the formation of a united front against us, which includes the United States and Zionism. Let it not be assumed that there is a global alliance against the Islamic Republic; no, the united and central front that works against the Islamic system with all its might has two members: one is the regime of the United States of America, and the other is the Zionist regime and its supporters around the world, whose power, wealth, and influence in the world are not insignificant. The reason for their enmity is clear. Iran was once a pawn of the Americans, and they did whatever they wanted in this country. The reins of economic affairs were in their hands, the reins of cultural affairs were in their hands, and important and effective appointments were in their hands; in fact, the government was in their hands. They took, consumed, and used; however, they have lost this now.

In addition to this, and perhaps more importantly, the challenge is that the great movement of the Iranian nation has become a turning point for the Islamic world. Today, Islamic awakening has spread from the east of the Islamic world - at least from Pakistan - to North Africa. People are seeking Islam and have made it public; this is a great danger for America. They explicitly state that their interests are threatened. Of course, they are right; their illegitimate interests are threatened by the Islamic awakening movement. They are vehemently opposed to the Islamic system; the Zionists are also known. The Zionists felt that with the emergence of the Islamic system, a new breath and life was breathed into the resistance of the oppressed Palestinian nation. They accuse the Islamic Republic of providing military assistance to the Palestinian people. All of this is a lie; it is the Palestinian nation itself that has risen up. Of course, yes; undoubtedly, they are influenced by the Islamic movement. Therefore, the Zionists have a severe issue with this focal point and oppose it.

From the very beginning of the revolution, these movements have existed in various forms. All of you remember; it started with movements in the American embassy for overthrowing - among which was the planning of the coup at Shahid Nojeh base, where the young people stationed at the embassy published about a hundred important documents from their records; these are important documents of our time, but they do not allow propaganda on these documents - to the attack on Tabas, to encouraging Iraq to war, then assisting Iraq in the war, then attacking our passenger plane, attacking our oil platforms, and imposing economic sanctions on us several times, which they formalized in the mid-70s; the law known as "D'Amato." The enmities, grudges, and hatreds of these people should be understood in this way.

Wherever the Islamic Republic has initiated a movement that helped in the construction and development of the country, if they could, they obstructed it; of course, many times, thanks to the grace of the Lord, they could not. During the war, we acquired many weapons and many other things despite their wishes; however, as far as they could, they acted as saboteurs and disruptors; from the gas pipeline to many other works that have been done. For example, during the previous government, the Japanese had signed a contract for the construction of a dam on the Karun River; however, they went and sabotaged it. Some paid attention to them, while others continued their work without paying attention. We have advanced and done our work; however, they have not spared any enmity and malice, and of course, it will continue until they become hopeless. Not only for the fourth and fifth plans but also in the overall outlook for any political and economic movement in the country, this point must always be considered. We must reach a point where the enemy feels it cannot; they must become hopeless. Then the hostilities will end or diminish. As long as the enemy remains hopeful that it can uproot the Islamic system, it will strive and strike. All our efforts must be to strengthen the structure so that the enemy feels that any sword it brings will be dull and will backfire on itself, and any bullet it fires will ricochet back to itself.

Of course, since the current warmongers and neoconservatives in the U.S. government - who are truly a group of warmongers and whose focus is on war and military aggression - have come to power, the threats have taken on a different tone and language. What should we do in the face of this challenge? We must increase our power and carry out our legal and legitimate defense. Logic dictates this, and all political and diplomatic evidence and indications confirm this. Of course, internal stability does not mean what they think - that is, reaching a certain weapon - and as Mr. President pointed out, nuclear weapons do not accomplish anything. Moreover, we are fundamentally and logically opposed to weapons of mass destruction in this form. During the war, we also prohibited chemical and biological weapons; our government announced this at that time. Therefore, internal stability means something else that I will refer to later. Thus, we must increase our power; otherwise, any retreat in the face of arrogant and tyrannical power will be unilateral and encourage further aggression and invasion; we have experienced this in various arenas over the years. Wherever they have observed a retreat, they have advanced a step; they have not been grateful to say that finally, they have given a concession, so we should also give a concession. In confronting and facing power, these words have no meaning. Material powers do not understand these matters. When they see that the other side has retreated a step or has been intimidated, they feel they should increase the pressure.

The only thing that can preserve Iran and the Islamic system is internal stability and a firm resolve for legitimate and logical defense. In the past twenty-five years, this has been done without relying on others. Some think that if we want to say "no" to America, we must rely on Europe. Did we rely on the Soviet Union - which was an enemy and opposed to America - when we were facing America during the war? The enmity of the former Soviet Union during the war was not less than that of America in practice. If you and I act according to the conditions of internal stability - the nation acts - the enemy cannot strike.

Of course, the enemy acts insidiously, makes the path difficult, and imposes costs on us; however, reaching a high level of dignity and progress also has costs. Achieving dignity and elevation has costs. Humiliation also has costs; does humiliation not have costs? Now you see an American officer holding the hand of an Iraqi Ba'ath officer and taking him away; but the Iraqi Ba'athist does not dare to speak! Is there a greater humiliation than this? They have both been humiliated and are paying the cost. An army that does not confront the enemy results in this. Yes; achieving dignity, elevation, and power has costs; we must pay the costs, act, and move forward.

What I feel is that the divine promise to us has so far been a true and practical promise in our personal and short-sighted experiences; "Indeed, whoever is God-conscious and patient, God does not waste the reward of the doers of good." Wherever we have practiced piety, been patient, and shown steadfastness, the Almighty God has not wasted our reward; however, wherever we have shown weakness, we have been struck, and disorder has arisen; it is the same now. The Almighty God told His Prophet: "So remain steadfast as you have been commanded." Steadfastness means remaining firm on this straight path and not creating any deviation; the remedy for the problems of Iran is the same, and you and I must pay attention to this point.

Of course, today the ugly face of American bullying has become clear to the world; this also helps us. Today, the slogans of human rights and democracy have lost their color in the world. With what they did in Iraq and Afghanistan and with the evil intentions they expressed, they revealed their true face. In a meeting last week between the Prime Minister of the Zionist regime and the President of the United States, as reported in the news, the U.S. President gifted the map of Greater Israel - from the Nile to the Euphrates - to the Prime Minister of the Zionist regime! What does this act mean? How can Islamic countries have good faith in their words? How can they view America as a judge in the Palestinian issue? The slogan of "from the Nile to the Euphrates" is an aggressive, tyrannical, unjust, and false slogan that the Zionists recently denied; however, now the warmongers and warmongers of America are openly displaying this slogan! Their face has been revealed in the Islamic world. Even if in some Islamic or Arab countries their leaders do not dare to speak, the nations understand and hear. Those who will stand against them are the nations.

And now the fourth plan. The fourth plan is on the way. The arrangement of work is like the third plan; the government proposed the plan to us, and we approved it, and it was implemented accordingly. The government proposes policies to the leadership through expert work. The policies are not long-term issues; they are five-year plans. Sometimes, within a five-year period, a policy gains priority; this can be predicted by the government with its calculations and then proposed to the leadership; the leadership also submits it to the Expediency Council for review. This was done in the third plan, and God willing, it will be the same in the fourth plan. Of course, the government has not yet proposed the policies to us. We have requested that before giving the policies to us and announcing them, nothing be communicated to the agencies as the foundations and frameworks of the plan so that the plan can be structured and divided according to the policies and in accordance with the constitution. As mentioned, the policies and plans must be directed towards a vision, which the President referred to, and this is an important point. We told the Expediency Council at the end of 81 that they should propose a ten-year vision - which will include two five-year plans - so that based on the vision that will be drawn, we can formulate the general policies. This vision will specify our expectations from the country in the next ten years; of course, not precisely - because calculations and events will vary - but it will approximately specify where we should be and in what condition in the next ten years; that is, a mid-term view. The officials of the country from the three branches are here; therefore, I will present indicators in this regard for this vision and general policies to keep in mind.

In the economic field, the things we emphasize are economic prosperity, employment, reducing inflation, and self-sufficiency in essential agricultural materials; that is, the food security of the country. These are very important and fundamental issues, and we must achieve these goals to an optimal level during this period. We must bring inflation down to a single digit. Of course, in some of the countries mentioned, as statistics show, inflation is very high. Of course, they have made advancements and growths, but the level of inflation is very high; it is completely unbearable, and life is very difficult, which I do not want to mention the names of these countries.

In the social arena, development must be intertwined with the people; the people must be the axis of development. Justice must certainly be one of the main indicators. Planning and policymaking that does not consider justice and equitable distribution of wealth in society cannot achieve our desired vision and is not our ideal plan. Since the brothers from the management organization and experts and planners are here, I say this: Pay attention that the element of social and economic justice and equitable distribution of wealth must be observed. We do not say that everyone should have equal income - that is not the issue - but we cannot disregard the element of justice, which is one of the fundamental elements in the Islamic Republic; it must certainly be observed.

Eliminating poverty and creating civil and judicial security are also very important and must be taken into account. Freedom must be logically and correctly secured in society; the same freedom that the Islamic Revolution and the Islamic system raised its flag in the Islamic world; not freedom in an extreme, imitative, and arbitrary manner. Where was the issue of freedom raised in this region of the world? In the Islamic world, the Islamic Republic raised the flag of freedom; its slogans of "independence" and "freedom" resonated. Of course, many countries claim freedom and even shout it; however, civil freedom is severely violated in some areas. Both in Europe and in the United States itself, this is the case. In America, freedom exists only to the extent that it does not harm the fundamental interests of the capitalists - who are the behind-the-scenes operators of the system - if any slight damage occurs, freedom is severely suppressed; they do not show consideration or restraint for anyone. We believe in freedom. Our belief in freedom and securing civil rights in social issues is rooted and has a religious basis.

In the field of diplomacy, effectiveness, continuous movement, being directed, and active presence in treaties and regional and global groups and cores are desired. In the scientific field, the software movement and production of knowledge - which we have been regularly mentioning for two or three years - must be realized. This is not a slogan. I have followed this issue and have recommended it to all centers that could possibly implement it. However, I do not execute; the executive work must be done by the executive agencies. Thanks be to God, this work has started; however, the issue of knowledge production must be taken seriously. We must produce knowledge in all fields - both natural sciences and humanities. The connection between science and industry - which I have emphasized many times - must be realized. All these have mechanisms and can be included in the plan.

In the cultural field, attention must be paid to strengthening the spirit of faith. Mr. President expressed very good points regarding the moral community. His reasoning is completely correct and accurate. We must strengthen the spirit of faith and the element of sacrifice and selflessness first in ourselves and then in the people. This must also be included and seen in the plans. A significant part that constituted our national power was this spirit of sacrifice that manifested itself in martyrdom during the war. In the field we face today - which is certainly more complex and difficult than the battlefield - the force of sacrifice and selflessness that disrupts all equations must be emphasized. If we can strengthen this within ourselves, all power equations in the world will shift in our favor.

Clarifying the value foundations and strengthening the constitution is also important. The constitution is like the pillars and foundations of a building. If we want to build a large and lofty structure, it needs foundations and pillars to give the building a general shape. These foundations and pillars are the constitution. Ordinary laws are the work done inside the building; the divisions, walls, and decorations. Values are like the building materials. All the pillars that are created and all the work done in this building - whether in the constitutional section or in the ordinary law section - are made up of our values; they are formed and combined from our values. We have this constitution and this solid framework. In these twenty-four or twenty-five years, a lot of effort has been made to adorn the inside of this lofty and magnificent building. We can present a solid and beautiful building to the world. All the enemy's efforts are to prevent this model from being presented; hence, they attack the pillars and foundations to bring them down. Of course, ordinary laws are flexible. It is not wise or prudent to destroy the foundations for changing and updating ordinary laws. To change a decor, one never destroys the pillars. To change the divisions, one does not destroy the foundation. The foundation must be kept strong; this foundation has been well laid.

Look at the world; governments that sometimes protest against the Islamic Republic have kept their two- or three-hundred-year-old constitutions strong. They hold tightly to their two- or three-hundred-year-old, or even older, values and do not allow any damage to occur. You saw in a letter last year that some so-called intellectuals in America issued to justify the warmongering of the U.S. President and his entourage, they relied on American values. These values are the values of "George Washington," which are over two hundred years old. American values have become a principle for them, based on which even warmongering and the use of atomic bombs have been raised. On those days, "Bush" threatened that he would bomb several countries with atomic bombs! This act is justified and considered permissible. They rely on their values in this way; however, when it comes to us and our constitution and our values, we become fundamentalists in the sense of being reactionary! American fundamentalism is seen positively; however, Islamic fundamentalism, which is based on logic, reason, argument, experience, and the desire for freedom and independence of a nation, becomes something condemned; it becomes an insult: fundamentalists! Of course, for some time now, they have changed the term "fundamentalists" to "conservatives"; unaware that in our country, all factions are fundamentally fundamentalists. Of course, there may be some extremists in every corner, but the majority of the elements in our country that are in the institutions are fundamentalists, and they all believe in this principle. These principles must be fully seen and observed in these visions. We have reached a stage where we can and must preserve and advance this building based on these principles.

The fourth plan will accomplish a large part of the work. There are also things alongside the fourth plan. Of course, the plan itself is important - because the goal is important - the vision is important; however, the path is also important. It is not that we say we can reach this goal by any means; no, the path must also be chosen. Some paths are such that if we take them - to use a friend's expression - they have set up checkpoints there, and they will not let us go until we disarm. We must not agree to disarm. We must choose a path that does not require us to disarm from our real weapons. Let us choose the right path.

Of course, the plan has characteristics; it must align with the geographical, historical, and cultural characteristics of the country. We cannot imitate the plans of other countries; a plan is not something to be imitated. The fact that a certain country reached development through this path does not mean we should also follow that path; this is wrong. The capabilities, resources, and potentials of the country must be calculated, and the path must be chosen. The plan should not be purely economic. In the plan, culture, security, spirituality, and ethics must certainly be included. It should not only focus on economic growth; it should be within the framework of the overarching policies mentioned.

In the plan, we must ensure that we do not dissolve into the global economy; keep this in mind. I have repeated this once or twice before: joining the World Trade Organization is, in my opinion, a positive move; however, when we have the necessary infrastructure for this, which we currently do not have. Now, removing tariffs and entering the World Trade Organization means dissolving into a superior economy without the ability to compete; it means diminishing and drowning; it means losing and destroying even the domestic production that has been achieved with effort and hardship until now. Yes; the World Trade Organization is a broad field for activity; however, we must have the ability to swim. That day, I said this is like sending a football team to the World Cup without any training. The result of this is that we will concede twenty goals and return! We must prepare the readiness and not be in a hurry. Five years later, ten years later, it will not be too late. First, the economic infrastructure must be strengthened, and we must be confident, and then we can enter the scene comfortably and willingly. Now, the recommendation to dissolve into the global economy will be a deadly poison for our national and independent economy.

There are other things alongside the plan. Let us not lose our national self-confidence. The statement of Imam that "we can" is a very important and meaningful sentence. Let us believe that we can. Despite all this enmity, you have been able to work. Even if you had not done any positive work and had only managed to survive, that would have been an achievement. So many positive and valuable works have been done; this shows that you can and we can. If a person wants to cite examples of this ability, there are many. It is precisely from these abilities that they are upset. They have explicitly stated that they cannot bear to see the Islamic Republic reach advanced nuclear technology and similar achievements. In various fields, in agricultural and other areas, very good work has been done in the country. Therefore, we can maintain this self-confidence.

Unity must be preserved. I urge you to pay attention to the issue of maintaining unity, solidarity, and camaraderie; this is one of the principles. Of course, the audience for this work is not the nation - the nation is united and has no differences - the audience for this work is the elites and politicians from various factions. They should not confront each other over small differences and with false justifications create turmoil against each other. One of our friends said that the issue of self and non-self that you raised has been accepted by everyone; however, some have swapped the places of self and non-self! Those who feel responsible for the system, revolution, and Islam should be considered self; the non-self are those who oppose the system itself.

Initiative and tireless work are also among the things we need. Self-control is also important. In the Battle of Uhud, you know what happened. Victory came, then this victory turned into defeat and loss; because some could not control their desires. The Quran states: "Indeed, those who turned back among you on the day the two armies met, it was Satan who caused them to slip because of some of what they earned"; those who could not preserve themselves in the Battle of Uhud and stumbled, Satan caused them to fall into this calamity because of some actions they had brought upon themselves - the bread they had placed on their own table - they were afflicted by this. They had created problems for themselves; this is the lack of self-control. We must control our desires. In the responsibilities we have taken on, we must not give in to pleasures and desires and the accumulation of wealth. Our time is a significant period; in history, it is one of the most sensitive and prominent periods. Know that all of us will be under the microscope of public judgment for hundreds of years to come; they will judge us based on our actions and deeds. If we err, stumble, and give in to the pleasures and comforts of the world - which will be costly for the revolution - it will be recorded in our historical file. Before the Almighty God, it is clear how difficult it is.

The next point is serving the people. Serving has its logic. We have come to serve the people. The philosophy of our existence is to serve the people. It has been narrated that the Islamic ruler - the ruler at all levels; ministers, governors, and higher and lower officials are all included in this statement - must treat the people like a kind father towards his children. If you receive news that your child is suffering from illness, cold, heat, hunger, humiliation, insult, and loneliness, how would you feel? Can you tolerate it? At the national level, if such an event occurs for anyone, to the extent that you know and are informed, you must have the same feeling; we must not be calm and at ease. The movement of service means this. This service must be tangible for the people. The great works that have been done must be brought to the lives of the people so that they can feel the pleasure of it. Financial discipline and combating corruption are also necessary tasks.

Lastly, I apologize for keeping friends waiting for an hour. The last point is about the elections. The seventh parliamentary elections are ahead of us. Usually, before elections, there are upheavals in the country that are mostly of a propagandistic nature. I urge all three branches - the representatives of the parliament, the officials in the government, and the officials in the judiciary - to strive to maintain a balanced political atmosphere in the country so that the people reach the election season in a balanced environment. The people are interested in the elections. What drives the people away are some unpleasant scenes that they observe at our levels. The atmosphere must be balanced, logical, and rational. Critical dialogue is not a problem; however, dialogue with uproar is different. In Islamic democracy, dialogue differs from the shouting and knife-wielding in some democracies. Here, they engage in dialogue; as Imam said, like the discussions of students. They should debate in the parliament and other places, even argue over an issue; however, they should not harbor grudges against each other; then they should sit next to each other and talk. They should not allow differences of opinion to escalate into conflict. This conflict will lead to the paralysis and weakness of the branches. Lies, insults, accusing each other, spreading rumors, slandering opponents, and provoking various emotions; none of these are compatible with Islamic elections. This is addressed to all factions; it is not directed at a specific person or faction; this is the duty of all of us. All factions must observe these matters. Everyone must operate within the framework of the law. Neither the parliament, nor the Guardian Council, nor the Expediency Council, nor the President, nor the leadership have the right to deviate from the framework of the law. Wherever the law grants powers to someone or a group, they must act accordingly. The enemy becomes tempted by our differences, just as it did in 1959. In 1959, two factions within the system - which that ousted president had initiated - tempted the enemy. They said there was a disagreement, and they fell upon each other. The enemy was tempted and attacked us. Of course, the enemy received a blow, but damage was also inflicted, and eight years of our time was spent in war. Do not allow the enemy to be tempted by the differences that sometimes even appear to be displayed and strike us.

O Lord! Make what we have said and what we have heard for You and in Your way; make us, especially me, the humble servant, receptive and accepting of the advice that has flowed from my tongue. O Lord! Grant honor to Islam and Muslims day by day, and grant our country day by day elevation, prosperity, and power. O Lord! Open the path of growth and guidance for us; guide us towards the peaks of perfection defined in the Islamic system, and assist us in traversing it. O Lord! Make the sacred heart of the Awaited One (may our souls be sacrificed for him) pleased and satisfied with us; make our actions pleasing to You and make our future better day by day than our past.

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