Television Message of the Supreme Leader Addressed to the Nation of Iran

The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution stated this morning in a television message that the 22nd of Bahman is the day of unveiling the power and dignity of the Iranian nation, emphasizing that the presence of the people in the rallies and their loyalty to the Islamic Republic will cause the enemy to retreat from its greed against Iran and national interests, saying: On the 22nd of Bahman, show your will and steadfastness to discourage the enemy.

The text of the Supreme Leader's television message is as follows: In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. The 22nd of Bahman each year is the day of unveiling the power and dignity of the Iranian nation; a nation, thanks be to God, that is motivated, determined, steadfast, appreciative, and aware of its own interests and harms.

On the day when the first 22nd of Bahman occurred, the Iranian nation achieved a great victory; it was able to save itself and its country from foreign interference. Those foreigners have always wanted to restore the previous situation over the years; however, the Iranian nation stands firm. The manifestation of this steadfastness is the 22nd of Bahman.

This rally is unparalleled in the world. Nowhere in the world do we find that after many years, on the day of independence and national day, every year it is met with such massive crowds across the country, and the people can show themselves. Today, the Iranian nation shows itself through the rallies in the streets; and it forces those who covet the Islamic Iran, the Islamic Republic, and the interests of this nation to retreat.

National power is more related to the will and steadfastness of nations than to missiles and airplanes. You have, thanks be to God, shown steadfastness in various matters, demonstrated your will; show it again and discourage the enemy. Until the enemy is discouraged, a nation is exposed to harm and suffering; the enemy must be discouraged. The discouragement of the enemy is through your unity, through your power of thought and will, through your motivation, through your steadfastness against the enemy's temptations; these constitute national power.

God willing, our youth can advance more and take action in various fields — in the field of science, in the field of action, in the field of piety and ethics, in the field of material and spiritual progress — and create pride for the country. The 22nd of Bahman is the manifestation of all these; everyone appears in the streets, chants slogans, expresses truths, and declares their solidarity; and the Iranian nation declares its loyalty to the Islamic Republic.

We hope, God willing, that this 22nd of Bahman, like all the previous 22nd of Bahmans, will multiply the glory of the Iranian nation; and compel other nations, governments, and powers to humility and submission before the Iranian nation; which, God willing, will indeed happen.

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