Statements in Meeting with Abdulsalam Jalloud, Member of the Libyan Revolutionary Command Council and His Delegation

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

America, the greatest enemy of Islam and Muslims

Firstly, I express my deep gratitude to Mr. Jalloud, who, as always, speaks with brotherly sentiments towards our nation and revolution. Whenever we have seen you in Tehran over the years, we have observed the same positions and sentiments akin to our own. From the very first days when you came to Tehran and we had meetings with you, until today, thirteen years later, we have consistently witnessed these sentiments and words in you, thanks be to God, and we have felt this brotherhood from you and the other Libyan brothers in our revolution.

America and its allies threaten Libya; however, we believe that these threats will not be able to suppress the Islamic sentiments of the Muslim people. You ask us to declare our support for Libya; we have always made this declaration and announcement. Know that in terms of our support and assistance in confronting the enemies of Islam and Muslims, we will have no issues; and you will have no issues in this regard. We believe that America is the greatest enemy of Islam and Muslims. Fortunately, today, America's troubles around the world are numerous, many of which stem from the realm of Islam.

Today, Muslims are not at all spiritually defeated

I do not entirely agree with the notion that Muslims today are experiencing a period similar to post-Granada. Today, Muslims are not at all spiritually defeated; on the contrary, they are on the offensive spiritually. Gone are the days when a group of Muslims in a country would raise Islamic slogans, and they were the only voice heard in the world. Today, Africa is before your eyes, and you see North Africa; those are the Islamic sentiments of the people of Sudan; that is Algeria, where the vast majority of people voted for Islam and said 'yes' to Islam; those are the former Soviet Asian republics; they are in our neighborhood, and we are aware of their situation. Many of those at the helm of these republics are the same elements from the communist era; they have no Islamic background; yet, they all speak of Islam; why? What compels them to do this? Is it not the popular sentiment and the general will of their people that drives them to this? This is a reality.

We believe that today Islam is advancing

Perhaps some imagined that after America accused the Islamic Republic of being reactionary and continued anti-Islamic Republic propaganda for twelve years, the masses would turn away from revolutionary Islam. Perhaps some thought that the terrorist accusations against you, us, and other Muslims worldwide would cause nations to turn away from Islamic thought, orientation, and slogans; but did this happen? Today, the inclination towards Islam among the Muslim masses and in Islamic countries is several times greater than when you first came to Tehran at the beginning of the revolution and when our revolution had just triumphed. Therefore, Mr. Abdulsalam Jalloud - our dear brother - and the Libyan brothers! We believe that today Islam is advancing, and no effort by America to suppress the Islamic movement will be effective, and their threats against you and others will have no impact.

We have always criticized America's aggression against Libya

Of course, they wish to put Libya under pressure. Even now, we have consistently criticized and opposed this recent unjust American aggression against Libya at both governmental and non-governmental levels, and we will continue to confront it. It is an unjust and false claim they make against Libya. We will not remain silent while they attempt to pressure an Islamic government and a vibrant community for such reasons. The important thing is that you - who, thanks be to God, are courageous people - do not allow any weakening of the foundations of this courage; and also, as observed, continue to strongly defend and support the Islamic movements in North Africa. The Muslim people in Africa must feel that governments support them.

We are absolutely not afraid of America

In any case, we are pleased to see you once again in Tehran. I have fond memories of your repeated presence in Tehran and once during a trip to Libya - under that tent, where Mr. Gaddafi was also present. Know this, any action I feel is necessary to assist you, I will undoubtedly undertake; whether it is the fatwa you mention or any other action. In any situation that requires it, we will not hesitate. What causes someone to hesitate in such matters is fear of the enemy. You know that we are absolutely not afraid of America; neither our people nor our officials are afraid; they rely on God.

God willing, you will succeed

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings