Statements of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Meeting with the People of Garmsar

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

I express my gratitude to God for granting me the opportunity after many years to have this warm and enthusiastic meeting with you, the dear people of Garmsar. I must acknowledge that the right of Garmsar was to have met with you earlier; since you are neighbors of Tehran, I have repeatedly intended to come specifically to Garmsar and meet with the dear people of this region. In any case, this opportunity has arisen today.

Thanks be to God, Garmsar is among the cities in this province that has high indicators. The people are enthusiastic and passionate, with a high level of education throughout the region and county, and there are good talents, as evidenced by some of our distinguished national elites. Both before this trip and during it, we met with some of the prominent elites from Garmsar who have emerged from this region.

This region is known for its knowledge, education, and expertise, and this should be a sign of hope, effort, and movement for its youth. The dear youth of this county can envision a future in which they play a significant role and can contribute substantially to building their beloved country.

At the end of this short trip to Semnan province, I would like to present a brief summary regarding the overall situation of our dear country.

You, the enthusiastic and passionate people—especially the youth—who care about the fate of your country and wish to play a role in its future, should know that, thanks be to God, the situation of our dear country at this moment in time is among the best conditions it has ever experienced. Today, the political system of the country is more stable than ever. Those who have sought to undermine and destroy the political stability of the country since the beginning of the revolution are now witnessing that the country enjoys complete political stability.

All segments of the people, from various parts of the country and different social classes, pursue their national issues in a desirable harmony and with a wise approach befitting a great nation. The people express national slogans and ideals with full understanding, just like the slogans you raised today regarding scientific advancements, nuclear energy, and the political positions of the country on the international stage. Today, more than ever, the discourse of justice-seeking, eliminating discrimination, and fighting corruption is established and dominant in the country.

The youth of the revolution—and commonly referred to as the third generation of the revolution—are talented and appreciative of the efforts of their predecessors. The youth we observe today, in all fields—boys and girls, at various levels of education and knowledge—generally lean towards the principles, ideals, and motivations of the revolution. When a nation has such a large number of youth and this age ratio within its population, it should be hopeful. The new generation, the fresh generation, and the hopeful generation always provide a country and a nation with the ability to shape the future as befits that nation. Today, we have such a situation. Most of our society is young; and these are youths who have largely not fallen into the traps and corruptions that young people around the world are caught in. I do not accept the words of pessimistic individuals who accuse our youth of various allegations, and I do not consider these views realistic; I consider them pessimistic. The youth of today’s Iran is fundamentally different from the youth before the victory of the revolution and from the youth in many countries in the region and around the world—of which we are aware—by leaps and bounds. In the hearts and lives of our youth, there are religious beliefs; carelessness and disregard for values are very rare among our youth.

I mentioned this based on knowledge and information during the Eid al-Fitr prayer. During the nights of worship in this year’s Ramadan and in various prayer and supplication ceremonies, youth from different classes and with various appearances participated; if a superficial and appearance-focused person were to see that boy or girl in that attire, they might think that they do not know God at all; but that is not the case. Our youth have hearts devoted to the truth; their hearts are soft and luminous. We have never remembered a time in the past years, from our youth and adolescence, when people would come to mosques in the country or to the Goharshad Mosque in Mashhad to perform i'tikaf (spiritual retreat). In the customary three days of the white days of Rajab or Sha'ban, we had seen only a few in Qom who performed i'tikaf; and those were mostly seminarians. Outside of that, it was not common. Today, during the days of i'tikaf, universities and mosques across the country and the congregational mosques are filled with those performing i'tikaf; in addition, during the last decade of Ramadan, a massive crowd was engaged in i'tikaf. Who were they? The elderly? No, they were the very youth, the youngest ones. This has no parallel in the world. This is our youth today. Today, the inclination towards religion and revolutionary values is the dominant feature of society.

Fortunately, a popular government committed to religious values is also in power. The President himself, with a popular style and lifestyle, with complete attachment to Islamic values, with courage and self-confidence, is in the field of work and effort; the members of the government and the President himself are dedicated to serving the people. They hold the initiative—both in domestic issues and in international matters. Today, it is no longer the case that our country’s officials must chase after the words of international politicians and policymakers; no, the initiative is in the hands of our officials. Self-confidence, faith, and reliance on God among the country’s officials have such an effect, and today, thanks be to God, this is the case. The President is hardworking, innovative, service-oriented, and active; this illuminates the horizons. Today, our political system is like this: a stable system, faithful people, enthusiastic and dynamic youth, and compassionate and dedicated officials who are courageous and possess initiative.

In various indicators of the country, we observe signs of progress everywhere. The report that the esteemed President provided to the people a few weeks ago regarding the state of the country, economic issues, and so forth has been confirmed by fair experts and, in many cases, has been confirmed by international centers; these international centers often express opinions about our issues with bias and animosity; however, in many cases, they have confirmed these reports: regarding inflation, unemployment rates, and the fight against corruption. They have reverse motivations; in many cases, one sees that the statistics they provide are not scientific and based on reality, but rather political. They wish to portray our situation negatively; however, even they have acknowledged and emphasized the correctness of the reports in many cases.

Today, thanks be to God, the general public—especially the underprivileged—are hopeful. This hope is not because problems have been resolved; resolving problems may take years. Sometimes, accomplishing significant tasks requires the passage of one or two terms of government to yield results; however, at the same time, the people are hopeful and happy; why? Because they feel that work is being done; there is progress in addressing discrimination and assisting the deprived; this alone brings joy to the hearts of the people. I have always emphasized—throughout these past years—to various governments and officials to do something that shows the people that you are working and moving towards the goals. Our people are noble.

I have read a lot of history and am familiar with the various issues of countries and nations; many nations do not possess this nobility, patience, realism, and solidarity that our nation has. As long as our nation feels that the country’s officials want to work for them and are not sitting idle for themselves, this is what we emphasize regarding the simplicity of the officials; this is to show the people that they are not sewing bags for themselves and are not thinking of accumulating wealth for themselves; this gives hope to the people and inspires their trust. There is a significant difference between an official who, during their short term of responsibility, is thinking of securing a financial future for themselves; constantly reaching out and grasping in various directions, perhaps to secure their financial future and life, and a person who, during their term of responsibility, is not thinking of personal matters at all; these two are very different.

Today, in the world, anyone who reaches a ministry, presidency, or management position has among their first goals to secure their future through various means—even if seemingly legal—so that when they leave their position, they have a share in a certain company or important investment. We in the Islamic Republic wish for our officials not to be like this. Fortunately, you see today that the officials of the country, with the President at the forefront, are genuinely spending all their time serving the people.

The international power of our nation has strengthened its spirit; today, the issue of nuclear energy—which is just one issue, not all our issues—is recognized internationally; everyone acknowledges that Iran stands firmly for this rightful and natural demand. This international power also elevates the spirit of the people. The growth of science, industry, and technology within the country has created good opportunities for solving problems. The fundamental issue that today is the goal of the country’s officials is the “employment issue.” They are striving and working to resolve this dilemma—which has plagued the nation for years—in the best possible way within a suitable timeframe.

Among the indicators, the issue of “fighting corruption” is significant; administrative and financial corruption is among the worst afflictions. This is one of the areas that international centers have confirmed that in the past year and a half, the country’s ranking in the fight against corruption has improved, and there have been advancements in this regard. Of course, we are not satisfied with this. Administrative and financial corruption and betrayal of national trusts must be eradicated. This does not relate to healthy investments; we advise the investors of the country—those who can invest—to enter the field of investment and work according to the law. Some confuse these two. We oppose corruption, oppose exploitation, oppose betrayal of trust—which primarily arises from officials and agents in various governmental sectors—and believe that there must be a fight against it. This fight, thanks be to God, is serious and has begun, and it must be expanded and become widespread.

In the political arena of the country, today, the unity and solidarity of the people are more palpable than ever. Some were chanting slogans that were only good for separating people from one another; they were not satisfied with this either, and they chanted slogans for dual governance; meaning that division would occur within the governance and management of the country, leading to conflict; they openly chanted this and showed no shame. Fortunately, these have become isolated. Today, unity and solidarity in the management of the country is a great blessing. The hearts of the people are close to one another, and the unity between the people and the government is also good. Of course, propaganda is carried out. Recently, the esteemed President complained about the media that they speak ill, use foul language, and slander; and some media protested. I usually observe the media; I sided with the President. I believe—not all media—but some media do not just criticize—criticism is not an issue—they act unfairly; they use the propaganda methods prevalent in the world to question or ignore the work done by the government for the benefit of the people, and if there is a flaw—no matter how small—they magnify that flaw. One sees this in many media outlets. This is not an issue. It exists, but our nation is aware and vigilant.

I have warned for years and explained to the people the role that foreign hands play in the cultural management of the country and in the media and propaganda of the country. Some denied it; however, eventually, everyone acknowledged it. Our enemies do not sit idle: they use the media, they use propaganda, and they employ various advertising methods to undermine the values that the nation adheres to, which they do not like. They make their efforts. We have also shown in practice that the media are free; these performances, which we consider very negative, exist; however, the media freely carry out the same actions. This is a practical refutation of those who believe that there is no freedom of expression; no, freedom of expression is evidenced by these media that freely write whatever they want against the government, against the system, and against the overall policies; no one interferes with them. Of course, the people do not pay much attention to these. This is a divine grace.

Thanks be to God, the political standing of the country and the social status of the Iranian nation in the world have increased. Previously, our enemies thought they had prepared the ground or would prepare it and could turn the country upside down with a mere gesture. The Americans said this. A few years ago, some American politicians secretly and covertly—without our knowledge, we learned later—came to Iran and mingled with some unsavory circles against the system; when they left, they said there are people in Iran who are waiting for a signal from us to shoot against the system. Today, the truth has become clear to them. Not only can they not dominate, but they cannot even inflict harm. The nation is awake and united. Our hearts are close to one another. The nation trusts its officials; they know that what they do and say is not for personal gain, power, or wealth. With an open view of the needs and interests of the country, it is observed, and the people also discern.

Today, thanks be to God, our position is a solid one; in contrast, the position of our enemies and opponents is unstable. I said yesterday and the day before: today’s America is not the America of ten or fifteen years ago; today’s Zionist regime is not the same as it was a few years ago. This regime has received a severe slap in the face.

Of course, they will not refrain from their opposition and enmity. That is fine. This divine deception is also against them to show more in the world how superficial and hollow the power of superpowers is.

Today, the political situation in the world has also changed. Governments are coming to power in regions that America has considered its backyard; governments are coming to power that oppose America. No matter how much the United States regime tries to prevent them from coming to power, it cannot. This indicates that there has been a transformation in the political situation of the world.

Dear nation! Dear people of Garmsar! God the Almighty has made a definite promise: "Indeed, those who say, 'Our Lord is Allah,' and then remain steadfast, the angels descend upon them, [saying], 'Do not fear and do not grieve.'" Steadfastness on the right path results in God Almighty removing sorrow and fear from a person and a community and granting them success. The path we have chosen is the path of God. The path of God is not merely about worship and sitting in a corner; the path of God means leading the human community to happiness. Our nation has chosen this path; that is, the path of justice, the path of fairness, the path of divine servitude, the path of equality among humans, the path of brotherhood among humans, and the path of good morals and human virtues; and it has also insisted on this path; it has confronted the difficulties that exist on this path and has not been afraid of them. God willing, the sweet and delightful fruits of this steadfastness will be tasted by the Almighty God.

Various officials of the country are very sensitive to the issues of this province. The points that the esteemed Friday prayer leader mentioned in his statements are all matters that were presented to me in reports before the trip, and the government officials are seeking to address these issues; good decisions have also been made. Of course, it is not our intention during our trips to impose the tasks and responsibilities that the government has on the officials. These are tasks that are in the government’s programs. We recommend that, God willing, they be expedited and facilitated; the points that have been overlooked should be given attention, and all officials—whether provincial officials, county officials, members of parliament, or high management in Tehran—should focus on these points in a coordinated manner and one after another solve these problems and untie these knots. We hope that God Almighty will bestow material and spiritual blessings upon you, dear people.

O Lord! Bestow your special grace upon the dear people of Garmsar, these passionate and faithful men and women, young and old. O Lord! Guide the youth to the right path and the path of growth and steadfastness. O Lord! Day by day, increase the beauty and improvements in the lives of these good and faithful people. O Lord! Grant the esteemed officials success in serving these people day by day.

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