Statements in Meeting with Various Segments of the People

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, the guided and the Mahdi, especially the Remaining One of God on the earth.

Welcome, dear brothers and sisters; you have adorned and illuminated our gathering and our Hussainiya with your spirituality and sincerity, especially those who have come from faraway cities. We thank the dear youth for the beautiful song they sang, which was artistically arranged, and the respected reciter for his beautiful recitation.

Dear brothers and sisters! The days of the Fajr decade are considered an unparalleled and unique period for our country. The Fajr decade symbolizes national power and national determination; why? Because it was during this Fajr decade that the Iranian nation, with their presence and resolute determination, was able to overturn a decayed and corrupt structure that had lasted for thousands of years. For thousands of years, this country was governed in a way that the people had no role; monarchies, invading powers, and foreign powers ruled. Even during the Islamic era, which is a manifestation of mercy, the behavior of the governors sent by the caliphs to Iran was harsh and tyrannical, akin to that of ordinary kings and sultans. The people had no role in the governance of the country; this is how thousands of years passed in our country. In the recent period, during the Pahlavi era and shortly before it, during the Qajar era, the situation was even worse; not only did the people have no role, but they were also trampled upon, and the wealth of the country was plundered, filling the pockets of foreigners; corruption had permeated the entire administration of the government; this was the situation before the victory of the revolution.

The Iranian nation, under the leadership of Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified) — whose role is incomparable to any leadership throughout our long history and is, in my opinion, unparalleled in the world — decided to stand up, did not fear bullets, did not fear the powerful appearance of the Pahlavi regime, came into the arena, destroyed that structure, and established a structure of popular governance in its place. What does popular governance mean? It means that from the very beginning, the determination of the system is by the vote of the people; the selection of those who should draft the constitution — that is, the Assembly of Experts — is by the vote of the people; then, once the constitution is drafted by the representatives of the people, that constitution is again subjected to the vote of the people; the legislative power, the executive power, various councils, the leadership itself, are all determined by the vote of the people; the Assembly of Experts is appointed by the people, and they then select a leader; in other words, everything returns to the vote of the people; this is how the country is governed, and this is the meaning of popular governance. Thus, this decade is one that cannot be compared to any other period of the year for us; the Fajr decade is a manifestation of national determination.

Of course, the Islamic system is a popular one, but its characteristic is not merely being popular; our system is an ideological system, a religious system, an Islamic popular governance. It is an Islamic system that raises individuals like Martyr Soleimani; it is an Islamic system that compels families during the Sacred Defense to send their young ones, their beloved children, for jihad in the way of God, and then they take pride in it. Where in the world is there a mother who has given three or four of her brave children and takes pride in it without complaining to anyone? Nowhere. We have read and heard about the conditions of other countries; they too have had wars, they too have had casualties, but it is not at all comparable to what has happened here; this is due to faith.

You observe, just seven or eight months ago, at the beginning of this year, they sat in American think tanks and discussed your Martyr Qassem Soleimani in detail; they published a limited report after some time, which reached us. They mention certain characteristics of Martyr Qassem and say that this man is a major obstacle to American goals. Then, among the characteristics they mention — they say he is brave, risk-taking, and so on — they say he is committed, he is faithful; his commitment is one of these characteristics. This is how it is; when individuals of faith accompany their faith with righteous deeds, when they engage in jihad, the result is a personality like this, which is praised even by great powers, even by his enemies!

Well, today I want to discuss two matters. One is the issue of popular presence, for we have two tests before us: one is the February 22nd rally; the other is the elections. One topic is the issue of Palestine, about which I want to say a few sentences; our position is, of course, clear, but we want to emphasize this matter again.

Regarding the February 22nd rally, our nation has truly made an effort; it is no joke that for forty years, in winter, in cold weather, under snow, in freezing conditions, in various cities across the country — that is, everywhere in the country — people have come out on the anniversary of the revolution and showcased their presence and their massive gathering to the enemies. Look at the anniversaries of national celebrations in other countries; four people stand there, and a few others march in front of them. The popular presence, with such grandeur, for forty consecutive years, despite all the destruction that the enemies have caused and every year trying to say something to weaken it — but it has not happened. I, who am truly unworthy, must thank the Iranian nation, but it is truly fitting for one to thank the dear Iranian nation with all their being. Of course, this year’s anniversary of February 22nd coincides with the fortieth day of our dear martyr, and the days of the fortieth of Martyr Soleimani, and the people have a greater motivation. God willing, our enemies will see the massive popular presence in the arenas and streets; we do not have much to say about that; God willing, our nation will deliver a crushing blow to the enemy’s policies with their presence.

And as for the elections; dear brothers! Elections are an opportunity for our country and our nation, and a threat to our enemies; we must not underestimate the elections. Some people talk about the elections, saying whatever they want, discouraging the people; we should not easily overlook this; elections are a very great opportunity for our country: firstly, if the elections are held with enthusiasm and the people fully participate at the ballot boxes, this guarantees the security of the country; it guarantees the security of the country; why? Because the enemies who threaten the country and the nation fear the popular backing more than our military capabilities; yes, they fear our missiles, but they fear the popular backing of the system more. Participation in the elections demonstrates the popular backing of the system, and for this reason, it contributes to security.

Secondly, it demonstrates the determination and power of the Iranian nation. Well, there are difficulties in the country; they know this themselves. These sanctions, along with some shortcomings on our part, have created problems for the people, and the people have grievances; despite this, because the elections are at stake, because the dignity of the system is at stake, because the security of the country is at stake, the people come into the arena; this demonstrates national determination, national power, and national insight; this is another matter.

Moreover, the elections themselves resolve many of our international problems. Those who are international observers, their judgment about countries and how they should deal with these countries is very dependent on these matters. They see how the parliament of this country — if it has a parliament — and how the leaders of this country are elected? By whom are they elected? With what level of support are they elected? These factors have an impact.

In addition to all this, the presidential elections and the elections of the Islamic Consultative Assembly are an opportunity for the entry of new ideas, new pathways in the cycle of decision-making and policy-making of the country. New ideas come in, especially if we can find and elect the right and capable individuals, this will have an impact and new ideas will enter the cycle of decision-making and policy-making of the country, and they can provide new solutions for the country’s problems, think of solutions, and present expert opinions. The issue of the economy is very important, which I have always repeated; the issue of culture is very important; the issue of scientific strengthening and progress is very important, but the foundation of all these is the issue of elections. If our choice is a strong, correct, and public choice, I believe all these problems will gradually be resolved. This demonstrates the importance of elections.

Therefore, elections are the most fundamental issue of the country. We must not allow this fundamental issue to be overshadowed by marginalization and various statements and discouraging and demoralizing words; unfortunately, there are such words. Of course, the enemy is active; this is nothing new; the enemies have always put a question mark over our elections since the early years. Sometimes they say that there has been fraud in these elections, sometimes they say it has been engineered; foreigners have repeatedly said such things. It has not had much effect; it does not affect the people. The people do not trust a treacherous radio that says there are a few thousand people when there are massive million-strong gatherings, but if two hundred people are causing trouble in the street, they say it is the Iranian nation; they do not trust them; it is clear. However, this is conditional upon not providing them with material from within. My emphasis is on this. Those who speak and those who have platforms and can speak — whether in the media or in cyberspace — should not speak in a way that the enemy can exploit and amplify their words, causing discouragement among the people regarding the elections. When you say this election is engineered, the people become disheartened. When you say that there is no democracy here, that these elections are not elections but appointments, the people become disheartened; while this is a lie, such a thing does not exist.

Elections in Iran are among the healthiest elections in the world. Some countries in the world, of course, have good elections, but they are not better than our elections, nor healthier than our elections. In some countries, fraud is common. There are some countries where their laws do not truly and fully embody democracy; including the United States itself. The United States, which is supposedly the center of democracy — aside from the propaganda they do, which alters the path of the people's vote with money and the power of capital, which we do not want to discuss here — their law is such that a person who receives more votes does not become president; this is how their law is. The rival of the current president, who came to power two or three years ago, apparently had several million more votes than him, but according to their laws, it is such that this person becomes president; well, is this democracy? Is this the majority vote? Here it is not like that; here it is precise; whoever receives more than fifty percent of the votes of the people — now where fifty percent is the criterion — even a tenth more becomes president; we have acted like this over the years. In the parliamentary elections over these various periods, different individuals have repeatedly written to me that there has been fraud and that there are problems; very well, we appointed a committee, they followed up, investigated thoroughly, and found that no, the person who reported it was mistaken; they did not have accurate information.

Elections in our country are healthy elections; I am astonished by some who have reached a position through elections, yet they question the elections; how is it that when the elections are in your favor, they are correct and valid, but when they are not in your favor, the elections are flawed? And if the truth is on their side, they accept the judgment; if it is not on their side, they do not accept it; then it says: "Is there a disease in their hearts?"

Well, then we have no complaints from the enemy; the enemy, of course, acts as an enemy; that is their nature, but we expect from friends, from those who are inside the country — whether a newspaper writer, or someone connected to cyberspace, or a member of parliament, or someone in an important government position — that everyone must be vigilant. It should not be that we verbally tell the people to participate in the elections, but then speak in a way that discourages them from entering the elections; this is not right, this is wrong.

One of the most incorrect actions in this regard is attacking the Guardian Council; well, the Guardian Council is a trusted body; the constitution has defined a role for the Guardian Council; it has specified it; six just jurists, six prominent legal scholars who are elected by the Islamic Consultative Assembly are in the Guardian Council; how can they easily accuse the Guardian Council of rejecting someone out of malice or accepting someone else? Well, this is slander. Slander is a major sin; it requires repentance; they must repent.

Elections are important; I mentioned in the Friday prayers a few weeks ago that the remedy for our problem with the strong and ruthless international enemies is that we must become strong; one of the components of becoming strong is to have a strong parliament. The Islamic Consultative Assembly, which is the place of legislation, must be strong; when will the Islamic Consultative Assembly be strong? When it is formed with a high vote; then this parliament will be strong and will have backing.

The grievances of the people are not related to the elections. The people have grievances regarding livelihood issues; some of it relates to certain laws of ours, some of it relates to some of our executive managers that have caused grievances for the people; they are right, and in most cases, these grievances are justified, but this is not related to the elections. The people express their grievances about someone else, but they recognize the value of the parliament, which belongs to the system, to the country, and to the entire Iranian nation, and in determining the parliament, God willing, and with divine assistance, they will have a strong presence.

I say that anyone who cares about Iran should vote. We have said this before, and now we repeat it; someone may not like this humble person, well, that is fine, but do they love Iran, their country or not? Then they must participate in the elections. Anyone who loves the security of the country, anyone who wants the problems of the country to be resolved, anyone who desires a proper rotation of elites in the country must participate in the elections; everyone must participate. Of course, I am confident that the faithful and revolutionary individuals who care about the fate of the revolution will participate with greater motivation, but those who do not have revolutionary motivation, who do not have religious motivation, well, they love their country; these individuals must also participate in the elections. This is regarding the essence of the election.

But as for the type of selection; whom should we choose? Well, I do not introduce individuals. It has never been my custom in any election to even hint at someone to be elected, but these characteristics, in my opinion, should exist in the selected individual: firstly, they must be faithful. Choose those who have faith. It is faith that prevents deviation and straying and stepping on the wrong path; faith does not allow temptations to affect a person. Some individuals are good at the beginning, but when they enter certain arenas, temptations lead them this way and that; if there is strong faith, they remain immune from these deviations. [So], they must be faithful.

Then, they must be revolutionary; they must truly have given their hearts to the revolution and accepted the revolution in the true sense; choose these individuals. Then, they must be brave. A representative who fears speaking against a certain foreign power is not worthy to represent the people of Iran with this dignity and courage. Of course, the current representatives of the parliament have done a good job; after the martyrdom of Martyr Soleimani, they took a good action against America. One must act courageously; because no work will progress with fear and trembling. One must act courageously, of course, wisely and prudently.

They must have a jihadist spirit; they should not know day from night. They must be effective; they must truly advocate for justice. Our country needs justice; humanity needs justice; however, justice is neglected and alien in the world. The Islamic Republic has raised the banner of justice; let us not allow this banner to fall asleep. We must genuinely pursue justice; both economic justice, legal justice, and political justice; justice must exist in all areas.

Well, if we can identify such individuals to whom we will give our votes; if we cannot identify them, we should use insightful and trustworthy individuals. No one should say, "Well, the conditions for a candidate must be this and that, I do not know, so it is better not to vote"; no, definitely vote, but refer to insightful individuals, to trustworthy individuals, to those whom one can rely on; ask them, consult them; if they guide you, accept their guidance so that, God willing, all the people enter the arena with pure intentions and reliance on God Almighty.

As for the issue of Palestine. Well, you have heard; the whole world has heard that the American bullies and extortionists recently unveiled a plan; they have named it the "Deal of the Century." They console themselves by giving it a grand name, hoping it will succeed. In my opinion, what they have done and are pursuing is, firstly, foolish, secondly, a sign of malice, and thirdly, from the very beginning, it is detrimental to themselves. (Well, before I explain why it is foolish, you sent out a takbir; it shows that all of you know why it is foolish; however, I will repeat this and say it again.) It is foolish; why? Because this plan will certainly not come to fruition; this plan will die before Trump dies; therefore, for a plan that will certainly not be realized, coming, sitting, spending money, inviting this and that, creating a commotion in the world, and unveiling it is a foolish act.

Secondly, it is a sign of the malice and deceit of the Americans. Now the Zionists are another matter, that is clear, but the Americans have shown how malicious and deceitful they are with this act. Why? Because they have come to negotiate with another party, which is the Zionists, about something that does not belong to them; they have negotiated the property of the Palestinians among themselves, one gives and one takes! Is this not malice? Is this not deceit? Palestine belongs to the Palestinians; what right do you have to decide about Palestine, to determine that Jerusalem should be this way, that such and such place should be the center of the Palestinian government? Who are you? What right do you have? Palestine belongs to the Palestinians; the decision-making about Palestine is solely in the hands of the Palestinians, which I will now explain. The only way to solve the Palestinian issue is the plan we proposed several years ago, which I will also present today. Therefore, for others to come, for America to come to decide about the property of others, the land of others, the country and homes of others, is indicative of the deceit and malice of those who carry out this act.

Moreover, we said from the very beginning that this act is detrimental to themselves; why? Because all the efforts of the arrogant system have been and are to erase the name and memory of Palestine, to obliterate it from memory, but this act they have taken has, on the contrary, revived the Palestinian issue. Now the whole world is talking about the oppression of the Palestinian people and that the right is with them, condemning America. Now, we should not look at the four treacherous Arab leaders who went and applauded; they have no value, they have no merit, they have no reputation among their own people. Therefore, this act has turned against them; right now, Palestine has become more alive, Palestinian groups are more prominent in the world, the name of Palestine is more on people’s lips, and their oppression has become clear; thus, this plan has such a situation. Well, now they will make efforts to advance this plan. They will rely on weapons and money to advance their work; some will be bribed, some will be threatened; they will entice some and threaten others. This is their operational line.

What is the remedy for the Palestinian issue? The remedy is standing firm and courageous resistance. The Palestinian nation and Palestinian elements and organizations must tighten the noose on the Zionist enemy and America with their self-sacrificing jihad; this is the only way, and all the Islamic world must help them; all Muslim nations must support and back the Palestinians; this is the remedy. Of course, I believe that the armed Palestinian organizations will stand firm, they will continue their resistance; the way is resistance.

Fortunately, this resistance today is not limited to Palestine; it exists in a broader circle than Palestine, and day by day, God willing, this resistance will increase. And we, as the Islamic Republic system, consider it our duty to support the Palestinian fighting groups, and as much as we can, with all our being, we will support them; this is the wish of the Islamic Republic system and the wish of the Iranian nation. God willing, they will be strengthened and will weaken their enemy.

However, the fundamental and foundational remedy for the Palestinian issue is the same matter we mentioned several years ago, which has also been registered in important international centers; all people of Palestinian origin, not just those who belong to a certain country and have come to reside in the region of Palestine, those who are from Palestine and of any religion — whether Muslim, Christian, or Jewish; since some Palestinians are Muslims, some are Christians, some are Jews — should be consulted, and the system accepted by them should come to power, and that system should govern all of Palestine, not just the part they call the occupied territories; a government with the public vote of the people should come to power that can decide on the issues of Palestine, including those concerning Netanyahu and others. The authority must be in their hands. This is the only way for peace in Palestine and to solve the Palestinian issue.

And God willing, this matter will progress, and we hope that you young people will see that day, and God willing, with divine assistance, you will pray in Al-Quds, which is such an important issue for them. We hope that God Almighty does not shorten the shadow of jihad in the way of God and the fighters in the way of God from us, our country, and our people.

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