Message to the Representatives of the Islamic Consultative Assembly

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

Honorable Representatives of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (may their efforts be blessed)

And the noble and great nation of Iran (may their glory and honor endure)

It is a matter of great satisfaction that the popular institutions, the hearts, tongues, and revolutionary voices, and the Islamic Consultative Assembly, which is the manifestation of the people's presence and the embodiment of their opinions, have once again expressed their attachment and loyalty to the principle of the Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist and their support for the government and the officials trusted by the people, delivering a firm blow to those who wish to see our nation divided, anxious, and hopeless.

Attention to the intricate conspiracies of the enemies of the Islamic system, which stem from their deep animosity towards Islam and Muslims, calls every aware and compassionate individual to greater vigilance and care, and makes individual and political piety especially obligatory for those who have a greater share and influence in the affairs of the country. I, while thanking all the individuals and groups who have declared their stance in honoring unity and strengthening the bond between the government and the nation, especially the honorable representatives of the Islamic Consultative Assembly who, with a decisive majority, practically demonstrated the absence of disagreement on fundamental issues, offer some reminders to all brothers and sisters and the entire nation of Iran:

1) The unity of the various segments of the people and the trust and affection between the nation and the government have been among the most important reasons for the success and power of the Iranian nation against the hostilities and conspiracies of the enemies over the past decade. Therefore, our late and dear Imam (may God sanctify his soul) emphasized and insisted on it more than anything else. Now that the enemies have failed to bring the Iranian nation to its knees through war, economic pressures, and media blockade, they have concentrated their main efforts on creating division among you, the dear nation, and the honorable officials, and with the painful absence of our great Imam, they have pinned their hopes on success in this satanic move. It is incumbent upon all those whose hearts beat for Islam, independence, and the dignity of the country to protect the unity of the nation's ranks today more than ever and not to let differences in taste, politics, and personal matters lead to conflict and division. Especially the honorable representatives of the nation in the Islamic Consultative Assembly must be careful that, God forbid, their statements do not spread discouragement and despair from the public tribune of the Assembly throughout society; rather, they should be the embodiment of the nation's unity in word and deed.

2) Everyone knows that our late and dear Imam considered supporting the government a perpetual duty for himself and others, and throughout the past ten years, alongside his fatherly advice and guidance, he always supported the successive governments generously and unreservedly. This did not mean that past governments never made mistakes in practice, policy, and management; rather, it was because bearing the heavy burden of running the country, especially in difficult global conditions and with sworn enemies, small and large, was not possible without the sincere support of the entire nation, led by their leader and guide. Our dear Imam, by supporting the government, was in fact fulfilling part of his heavy share in running the country.

Today, the fresh and efficient government, led by a distinguished personality trusted by the Imam and the nation, has committed itself to rebuilding the country and repairing the devastation of the imposed war, and with its policies and actions, has bewildered and surprised the malicious enemies. Those who want Iran to always be poor, needy, and dependent are deeply fearful of policies that move Iran towards economic development and self-sufficiency and independence from others, and they oppose them with very complex and conspiratorial methods. The key to the success of the government, the judiciary, and the legislature lies in the overwhelming support of the nation for them. Any action or statement that undermines the people's trust in these branches and their officials and causes even the slightest disruption in this support is a religiously forbidden act and a national betrayal.

3) The Islamic Consultative Assembly is the point of hope for the system and the embodiment of the nation's power and authority. It is a sacred place that can and must always and in all circumstances establish the vote and will of the Muslim and revolutionary nation and ensure the people's interests in the form of binding regulations within the structure and behavior of the system and government. It is the house of the people, the refuge of the people's government, and the embodiment of the values of pure Muhammadan Islam (peace be upon him and his family), and in the words of our wise and late Imam, the essence of the nation's virtues. In this Assembly, distancing from virtues and adhering to personal and group interests and being tainted by political and selfish desires, from whoever it may be, is rejected and condemned. In this Assembly, votes must follow knowledge, and discussions must be free from conflict and dispute. In every stance and every word, God's satisfaction, the interests of the revolution, and the people's desires and needs must be considered. There have always been a few individuals in this Assembly who have neglected these duties and deviated from the path, and perhaps there are some today; however, the overwhelming majority of honorable representatives, who, thanks be to God, have always and today moved on the right path of Islam and the revolution, must cherish the great blessing of the Islamic Republic and in their actions, votes, and words, consider God present and watching and not exchange the interests of the revolution and the country for anything else. Of course, the Assembly must always perform its legal duties and exercise its legal rights; but both the honorable representatives and our noble people are capable of distinguishing between acting on legal duty and acting according to personal and political interests.

4) The principle of the Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist and the convergence of all main paths of the system to the center of guardianship is the shining point of the Islamic system, and its realization is the valuable and unforgettable legacy of Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified). Our people, over the past eleven years, have shown their complete loyalty and sincerity to this principle in all arenas, and our great Imam himself was the greatest defender and staunchest supporter of this principle and fully embraced all its implications and requirements. This principle is the inexhaustible treasure that must solve the problems of the Islamic Republic system in the most sensitive moments and the most dangerous junctures of the perilous path of the Islamic Republic and untie the unsolvable knots. The brave defense of our dear Imam for the issue of guardianship and leadership—which undoubtedly had the least impact on his own leadership—stemmed from a deep understanding and faith in this truth, and today I, following that great man, will defend this principle and its requirements with all my being and ability, and with God's help, I will fulfill my duty in all matters. Any breach in adherence to the Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist and obedience to leadership is a breach in the entire Islamic system, and I will not tolerate this from anyone or any group. Of course, today, thanks be to God and His grace, all individuals and groups of the Imam's line are committed to the Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist and obedience to leadership, and it is hoped that the ground for accusing individuals and groups of non-commitment to it will never be prepared.

May God include all of us in His guidance and assistance and grant victory to the powerful hand of our Muslim and revolutionary nation over the treacherous hand of the enemies. "Indeed, He is Hearing and Responsive."

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings

Seyyed Ali Khamenei

1989/12/29