Full Text of the Supreme Leader's Statements in Meeting with Youth at Tehran's Grand Mosque

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 Muhammad, and upon his pure and virtuous family, especially the Remaining One of God among the earth.

This gathering is a great and exceptional assembly. A large and dense crowd, all of whom are young, has gathered here. This place is also a mosque, where the spirituality of prayer and the atmosphere of worship have made the space spiritual and radiant. On the other hand, it follows days of mourning, and our youth, during the days of Tasu'a and Ashura and before and after them, have participated in mourning ceremonies and beautiful displays of mourning, embodying a spirit of Hussaini and spirituality. Therefore, in terms of time, place, the composition of the crowd, and the quantity of the crowd, this assembly is unparalleled, and I want to first raise the issue of youth and young people in this assembly. The reason I deemed it necessary to raise this issue at this level is that the issue of youth in our country must become a truly national issue. Everyone must feel responsible regarding this matter; the government, the clergy, the Basij, sports organizations, and the media. All institutions that can play a role in matters related to youth must feel responsible regarding the issue of youth in this country. Today, I want to convey this message to all officials through my presence in this assembly and by discussing the issue of youth face-to-face with the young people, that the issue of youth, the needs of youth, the future of youth, and planning for youth must be considered a top priority and a serious matter. This is unavoidable. Topics such as "the hope of the nation" and "the future of the country" are repeatedly discussed regarding youth. These are indeed true matters, but they are repetitive. I do not want to spend time on these topics; rather, I want to get straight to the main point.

Youth is a brilliant phenomenon and an unparalleled and unique chapter in the life of every human being. In any country where the issue of youth is addressed properly, as it deserves, that country will achieve great successes on the path of progress. If a country like ours has a youth population that constitutes a significant and large proportion of the total population, this issue becomes even more important. Today, I would like the first part of my speech to be more focused on the attention of the elders, including officials, parents, teachers, and those responsible for youth-related issues. In the second part, my main address will be to you, the youth, with whom I will share some thoughts.

However, the first part concerns the responsibilities towards youth. I must say that youth—this radiant and brilliant period—is a time that, although not very long, leaves lasting effects throughout a person's life. Youth begins with maturity. Here, I want to look at the issue from the perspective of the youth, so that the elders, parents, and officials can recall the youthfulness they once experienced.

A young person in the period of youth—especially at the beginning of youth—has desires and motivations. Firstly, as they are in the process of forming their new identity, they wish for their new personality to be recognized; this often does not happen, and parents do not seem to recognize the young person's new identity and personality. Secondly, the youth have feelings and motivations. They experience physical and spiritual growth and step into a new world that often those around them, their families, and individuals in society remain unaware of or indifferent to; thus, the youth feel lonely and alienated. I want the elders to hear these points, pay attention to them, and recall their own youth. Thirdly, the youth face many unknowns during this period. New issues arise that provoke questions. Doubts and inquiries emerge in their minds that they wish to have answered; however, in many cases, timely and pleasant responses are not provided, leading the youth to feel a void and ambiguity. Fourthly, the youth feel that within them lies a wealth of energy and capabilities, both physically and mentally. Truly, the capabilities that exist in youth can work miracles; they can move mountains; however, the youth feel that these energies and capabilities are not being utilized; thus, they feel a sense of futility and neglect. Fifthly, for the first time, the youth encounter a vast world during their youth that they have not experienced and know little about. Many life events occur for them, and they do not know their responsibilities towards them. They feel the need for guidance and intellectual support, and since parents are often busy, they do not reach out to the youth, and this intellectual support is not provided to them. The centers responsible for this matter are often not present where needed; thus, this support is not given, and the youth feel helpless. These feelings predominantly exist in our youth; on one hand, there is a sense of loneliness, on the other hand, a sense of helplessness, and on another hand, a sense of abundant capabilities and the feeling that these capabilities are not being utilized.

The existence of these feelings creates responsibilities for everyone, and everyone has a responsibility. Especially the government, the clergy, the media, the Basij, the national sports organization, and cultural institutions have significant responsibilities towards the youth generation; particularly in a country like ours, where the youth population is quantitatively dense and extensive, spiritually possesses a spirit of faith, is ready for great tasks, and is a highly talented group. The fact that I have repeatedly stated that the average talent of Iranian youth is higher than the average talents of youth worldwide is a product of scientific research and a well-established fact. This talent, this abundant quantity, and these capabilities can greatly assist a country like Iran on the paths of development and progress.

Some individuals have excessively erroneous and distorted judgments regarding the Iranian youth in terms of beliefs and faith. I believe this. Research also shows that the Iranian youth are faithful, virtuous, pure-hearted, possess a great deal of religious inclination, and are inclined towards spiritual aspects. Of course, the expectations we have from a young person differ entirely from those we have from an older, settled individual who has lost their faculties. Iranian youth—both girls and boys—are at a very good level in terms of spiritual, mental, and faith-based capabilities. This places a significant responsibility on the shoulders of officials.

I must admit that fortunately today, attention and concern are being given to youth issues. Both the centers specifically responsible for youth affairs—such as the National Center and the Youth Organization—and the centers that have been able to organize youth in significant fields since the beginning of the revolution—such as the Basij—and the governmental educational institutions have recognized the importance of youth issues; however, I expect more than this. I hope that the issue of youth and addressing youth and planning for proper guidance and opening pathways for development and progress for the youth will become a national and genuine issue, and everyone must feel responsible.

Let us return to the perspective of Islam. Islam's view on youth aligns precisely with what we propose and need from the youth generation and for the youth. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has recommended regarding youth, has associated with youth, and has utilized the energy of youth for great tasks. This year has been designated as the year of Amir al-Mu'minin Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him). You should not view Amir al-Mu'minin (peace be upon him) solely as a figure of forty, fifty, or sixty years of age. The brilliance of that great man during his youth is a lasting model that all youth can take as their example. In his youth in Mecca, he was a self-sacrificing, intelligent, active, and pioneering young man. In all fields, he removed great obstacles from the path of the Prophet. In the fields of danger, he shielded himself and undertook the most difficult tasks. Through his self-sacrifice, he facilitated the Prophet's migration to Medina, and later in Medina, he was the commander of the army, the leader of active groups, knowledgeable, intelligent, noble, and generous. In the battlefield, he was a brave soldier and a pioneering commander. In the realm of governance, he was an efficient individual. In social matters, he was a fully advanced young man. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) not only utilized someone like Ali but also made maximum use of the youth element during his ten years and several months of governance.

In one of the most sensitive moments of his life, the Prophet entrusted a significant responsibility to an eighteen-year-old youth. In battles, the Prophet himself would take command; however, when he felt in the last weeks of his life that he would depart from this world and that leading an expedition to the Roman Empire was not possible for him—because it was a very large and difficult task—it was necessary to select a force for this task that could not be hindered by any obstacle. He entrusted this responsibility to an eighteen-year-old youth. The Prophet could have appointed one of his fifty or sixty-year-old companions with a history of war and battle; however, he chose an eighteen-year-old youth, who was Usama ibn Zayd. The Prophet also utilized his faith and the fact that he was the son of a martyr. The point where Usama was sent was the same point where his father, Zayd ibn Harithah, had been martyred two years prior. The Prophet entrusted the command of a large and significant army to that eighteen-year-old youth, which included all the great companions and elderly commanders of the Prophet. The Prophet instructed him to go to the place where his father was martyred—namely in Mu'tah, which was a location in the Roman Empire of that day and in today's Syria—and to set up camp there. Then he gave him military orders. From the Prophet's perspective, the youth's power is of such importance.

Today, we have many Usama ibn Zayd-like youths in our country; we have many young people; we have a vast population of great girls and boys who are ready to participate in all active fields—in the field of education, in the field of politics, in the field of social activities, in various participations for poverty alleviation, for construction, and in every scene and arena where they are planned for and given the opportunity. This is a very important opportunity for our country. This generation is similar to the generation that was able to conclude one of the greatest experiences of this country—the experience of the imposed war—with strength and success. It is worth noting that when the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was formed, most of those who were members of this corps were young people and teenagers. Those who today are considered the commanders of this corps and hold high ranks were either students at that time, had just graduated, or had not even set foot in university. When Imam appointed the commander of the corps—the commander who managed the battlefields for many years—he was around twenty-six years old. The revolution has once again utilized this experience and has been able to prove the significant and constructive role of youth. This is the part I wanted the elders and officials to pay attention to; that is, looking at the issue of youth from the perspective of youth; seeing the aspirations, expectations, and feelings of youth; and understanding their duties regarding these rightful expectations and demands. All responsible institutions, whether governmental or non-governmental, whether the media, the ministries related to youth—education and higher education—whether the sports sectors, whether the special youth sectors, whether the Basij, whether the clergy, and whether the organizations for promoting and propagating religion, must feel that they are responsible in front of this generation, in front of this vast population, in front of all this talent and all this accumulated energy.

The next part is a sentence addressed to you: My dear ones! With the resources that this country currently possesses, the logical outcome is a bright, satisfactory, and honorable future. The majority of the country's population is young. Today, there are countries in the world that suffer from a shortage of youth. Their age level is high, and they are forced to obtain their youth force from other countries. Our country, in terms of its youth population, is one of the most opportune countries. Thanks to the revolution, the spirit of the youth and the spirit of the general public is one of work, initiative, and creativity. Before the revolution, neither the young nor the old were given the opportunity for initiative and creativity in scientific, industrial, and various innovations, and innovations faced indifference. However, the revolution revived the spirit of independence and self-reliance in our society; thus, this spirit is also one of the great opportunities. We have a population with so many young people and such a spirit. On the one hand, this young population and the masses feel that they are involved in the fate of the country. They elect governments; they choose officials, and in reality, the movement and administration of the country is carried out by those whom the people have a role in choosing.

Today, in some neighboring countries in this region, the people have the least role in choosing their officials. Officials govern them without the people having any role or oversight in their coming and going, their duration of rule, their wealth, their indulgences, and their uses. In some countries, the appearance may be democratic; however, in essence, the presence of the people is absent. The dominance of foreign or domestic power centers is such that the people have no role in the administration of the country.

Today, the reality in our country is an exceptional reality; at least in this region, it is exceptional. The people choose governments and representatives of the parliament with their will, desire, and judgment, and they put them to the test. If they are satisfied with them, they bring them back to power; if they do not want them, they turn to others. This is also a very great opportunity.

The fourth point in our opportunities is the guidance of Islam and the principles and values of Islamic teachings that are officially recognized in our country today. In many parts of the world, there may be democracy and economic activity; however, something called social justice and the elimination of discrimination is not on the agenda. Today, in capitalist countries and among various classes, what is recognized and valued is the struggle and war of individuals to preserve their own interests, and something called social justice, as a duty, as a value, and as an obligation, does not rest on the shoulders of the planners of those countries. Islam, which forms our constitution and guides our laws, considers social justice one of its greatest recommendations. If officials in the country do not work for social justice, for the elimination of poverty in society, and for reducing the gap between the poor and the rich, they will fall from the people's eyes, and the people will not accept them as officials who are liked and accepted.

The people's nature of governance is another value that the Islamic rule and Islamic teachings have gifted to this country. Being people's-oriented is a value that is higher than being elected by the people. Some individuals may be democratically elected in a democratic system, but they have no relationship with the people. These are not people-oriented. In our Islamic country, being people's-oriented is a value. The president is people-oriented; the officials are people-oriented and want to be people-oriented. The closer someone is to the people, the more they understand the feelings of the people and empathize with them, the more affection the people show towards them. This is also one of the great advantages of our current situation.

In addition to these, there are material advantages; the energy resources in the country, the Iranian talent—which I mentioned is higher than the average global talents—the diverse climate of the country, various weathers, and other facilities that exist in this country. If logically and rationally, this immense youth force and this accumulated energy are properly planned for and this energy is unleashed; if the youth generation is utilized for the construction of the country and efforts are made for their education and enhancement of knowledge, undoubtedly the future of the country will be a bright future. This is not a slogan; it is a logical and rational matter; it is a calculation.

A country with such youth, with such talent, with such energy, with such natural and climatic resources, and with those cognitive and ideological backgrounds, if its officials work correctly—which our officials are determined to do—without a doubt, the future that awaits them is a very bright future; a future that can be presented as a model primarily for the Islamic world and secondarily for others. However, there are also threats. These threats must be recognized. The reason I insist on mentioning the threats facing the country and the nation, especially the youth, in all my statements and remarks is that the importance of these threats is very high.

My dear ones! Sometimes a neglect, a lack of attention, a weakness, or a carelessness can take a great product away from a nation. We must not allow this. Our nation has shown that wherever there is a place for work, movement, and effort, if there are good commanders and officials overseeing it, it will be able to accomplish great tasks. After this, it will be able to do so, provided that we recognize the threats. Here, my address is not only to the non-young generation; I particularly urge you young people to precisely recognize the existing threats and to strive in your own capacity to confront these threats.

The threats facing our bright future are of two types: external threats and internal threats. I will first say this one word: if from within, this nation has no enemies; if there are no infiltrators and two-faced individuals who undermine the country's issues; the external enemy cannot do much. Of course, be aware that some threats come from within ourselves and among our own souls. I say that anything that harms the health, faith, determination, and vitality of the youth and delays their work, effort, and education is a threat. Indulgence is a threat; lawlessness is a threat; drugs are a threat; indifference to science, study, and work is a threat; getting caught up in futile social disputes is a threat; internal conflicts are a threat; distrust in the system and officials is a threat; of course, the negligence of officials is also a threat; and the enemy's planning from outside is a threat. An awakened nation, an aware nation, a lively nation, a young nation, a revolutionary nation like ours must remove all these threats from their path.

When I refer to external threats, I mean the centers of global power. Brothers and sisters; my dear children! Today, a compounded threat not only threatens Iran but also threatens all countries that are not among the advanced European and American countries. What is this compounded threat? On one hand, there is the direct influence of great powers, primarily the United States, and on the other hand, there is the wave of globalization; a wave that today is being protested against by a section of the American people themselves.

What does globalization mean? It means a collection of global powers; primarily those who also have influence in the United Nations; primarily those who were the colonizers of the world yesterday; a few countries that seek to spread their culture, economy, habits, and customs to the entire world; to create a joint-stock company where ninety-five percent of the shares actually belong to them, and the remaining five percent belong to all other countries. The decision-making power is in their hands! This is the meaning of globalization, which many countries, many politicians of the third world, and many intellectuals of the world oppose and fight against and fear. Some of our officials have reported that in international conferences, many countries participating in the 77 conference and the non-aligned countries fear globalization; because they know that globalization means the dominance of America over the economy, culture, military, politics, governance, and almost everything in other countries. This is aside from the direct influence.

The pressure that you see on Iran's indifference to America is due to the fact that the Americans are using all means to break this indifferent and grim face that the Iranian nation has taken towards America. They have worked hard around the world to compel healthy politicians to flatter, humble, and submit to American policies. The Americans have conveyed to the leaders of African, Asian, and Latin American countries that there is no alternative for living except to submit to America and its policies. Many of them have accepted this! Only one country, one nation, and one government in the world has not succumbed to this burden and says we have nothing to do with America; however, we are also not willing to submit to the bullying and pressure and imposition of American policies and relations. That country is the Islamic Republic of Iran.

American officials sometimes express hypocritical statements. Sometimes they make half-hearted compliments about the Iranian nation or about some of the officials and the Iranian system. Their goal is to establish political and economic dominance over Iran, and if possible, military dominance as well. The markets of Iran are coveted by them. The resources of Iran are coveted by them; above all, because the revolutionary and Islamic nation and system of Iran have been able to create a great awakening in the Islamic world—a revival that they cannot easily extinguish—they want to eliminate this global awakening by convincing and humbling Iran; that is, to tell the world that those who were the initiators have come to express submission and humility before America! Therefore, the goal is not healthy relations. They say those words in their propaganda; unfortunately, some in our country's media and elsewhere repeat those words as if a relationship with America could solve all the economic problems of the country. This is a lie and falsehood.

The Americans have only one perspective for their communications and activities in the world—and they do not hide it; they openly state it—and that is American interests. If they establish a relationship with someone, if asked why, they say our interests require it; because for them, their interests are what matter! America does not benefit any country. If they lend a few million dollars to a country, they take several times more from it! Today, if you look at this region, you will see that the surrounding countries are suffering from poverty, weakness, despotism, corruption, and numerous problems. Do these countries not have relations with America?! All of them have relations with America. The Americans use them, but they do not benefit them!

The Americans have repeatedly declared that their goal in establishing relations with countries is to secure the interests of the American government! What does this statement mean? It means that from the perspective of the Americans, the interests of an American citizen take precedence over the interests of an Iranian citizen—whoever they may be—a young American takes precedence over an Iranian youth; an American element—whoever they may be—takes precedence over an Iranian or non-Iranian element. America's policy in its global affairs is based on this premise. This is the main goal.

Of course, with lies and deception, they invoke the name of human rights! There are countries from which America extracts oil; in those countries, a single elected parliament has not been formed to this day; there is no elected ruler or elected president in those countries; yet America does not mention democracy and human rights in those countries! Why? Because it secures its interests from them. With Saddam's regime—during the time when Saddam was at war with Iran; because it was in their interests—they cooperated fully; then when Saddam attacked Kuwait and threatened their interests, they confronted him; at that time, Saddam became a tyrant and a criminal and an unreliable element! Was he not before?!

Even today, numerous institutions in America and Europe are working on behalf of the Americans to exert pressure on the Iranian government, on the public opinion in Iran, and on the mental atmosphere in Iran. I have a report from these seemingly research centers that shows they are actually established to exert political and propaganda pressure and to mobilize public opinion against the Islamic system. I even have the names of these institutions; I know what their activities are and what they do. They express friendship in words; however, their political, military, and defense elements speak in a bullying manner! Their espionage agencies are also secretly plotting, which I cannot elaborate on due to time constraints. Unfortunately, some of these have been able to take advantage of some chaotic situations to come inside Iran and contact some individuals! One of them, upon returning from Iran, reported that everything in Iran is over; we just need to introduce our ambassador to Iran! Someone heard this and said: You had a sweet dream; may it be good! What did they tell him here that he came to such a conclusion that everything is over?! Who spoke to him?! These are the things that constitute internal threats.

My dear ones! If we are united and cohesive from within, if the people are sincere with their government and officials and have a connection with them, the external enemy cannot exert any negative influence and cannot take any action; however, unfortunately, there are agents of the enemy within. Today, in this country, there are "Abdullah ibn Ubay" hypocrites; those who have never accepted the government of Imam and the Islamic system from the bottom of their hearts! In the time of the Prophet, one of the most active hypocrites was "Abdullah ibn Ubay," who collaborated with the Jews and the infidels of Quraysh and the spies of the Roman Empire and used every means to try to undermine the government of the Prophet; why? Because before the Prophet came to Medina, he imagined that he would be the chief and ruler of Medina in the future! The Prophet had effectively stripped him of his position. Today, in this country, there are "Abdullah ibn Ubay" figures; those who thought that if a revolution occurred in this country, the government would belong to them. Those who accepted neither jurisprudence nor the Imam nor the people nor the religious sentiments. The Prophet treated "Abdullah ibn Ubay" kindly and did not punish him. The Islamic system has also treated these individuals kindly and did not punish them. Today, they look at some phenomena that have the enemy's hand in them; they think they have found an opportunity to strike at the Islamic system. They engage in hypocritical activities, hoping for discord among officials; hoping for discord among the people; hoping that the youth will sever their ties with the Islamic system; hoping that the youth will become estranged from religion!

You dear youth should know that wherever you show an Islamic, revolutionary, or religious demonstration—when you participate in prayer gatherings, when you participate in retreats, when you participate in the demonstrations of the 22nd of Bahman, when you participate on Quds Day, when you respect the country's officials like the president and others—every movement that indicates your religiosity and your interest in the revolution makes the hypocrites tremble and become upset! These are the same individuals who, with their words, their statements, their positions, and their propaganda, sometimes with their interference in some disturbances, encourage the external enemy and the external enemy thinks that now is the time to seize Iran, to dominate the Iranian nation, and to break the revolutionary resistance of the Iranian nation that has lasted for twenty-one years. In reality, they are the culprits; they give the enemy morale.

My dear ones! The main goal of the enemies—both external enemies and the two-faced internal hypocrites—is to negate the religious government and the Islamic government. This is the essence of the matter, and they are not satisfied with anything less than this. They know that as long as power is in the hands of religion and religious laws, as long as the regulations of the Islamic Consultative Assembly must be according to religion, as long as this constitution exists—which is in accordance with religion—they cannot do anything in this country. As long as the officials of the country adhere to the principles of religion and Islam and jurisprudence, they cannot do anything. They want to eliminate this adherence; that is the goal. They want to repeat the same experience that occurred in the early days of Islam.

I truly recommend that you brothers and sisters become familiar with history. History is a lesson; many lessons can be learned from history, and many experiences can be gained. Some try to portray the events of our time as exceptional events—that cannot be utilized from history at all. This is wrong. The colors of life change, the methods of life change; however, the fundamental foundations of human life and the main divisions of humanity do not change.

In the early days of Islam, the greatest and most significant blow to Islam was when the Islamic government transformed from Imamate to monarchy. The government of Imam Hasan and the government of Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon them) became the monarchy of Syria! Of course, Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (peace be upon him) at that time, for a greater interest—which was the preservation of Islam—had to accept this imposition. The government was taken from Imam Hasan. When the government was removed from its religious center and placed in the hands of worldly seekers and materialists, it is evident that later the event of Karbala occurs. At that time, the event of Karbala is not something that can be prevented; it becomes inevitable. Twenty years after the Islamic government was taken from its main axis—which is Imamate—Imam Hussein, the son of the Prophet, was martyred in Karbala in that horrific manner. The basis of the enemy's attack and plan is to remove the government from its main axis—the axis of Imamate, the axis of religion. After that, they are assured that they will do whatever they want!

I tell you that today the enemy is incapable. Today, thanks to the vigilant nation like the Iranian nation, thanks to the awakened thoughts like those of the Iranian nation, thanks to the great revolution like the Islamic Revolution of Iran, neither America nor anyone greater than America—if they are in material powers—can impose an event like the peace of Imam Hasan on the Islamic world. If the enemy exerts too much pressure here, the event of Karbala will occur.

I thank God that our nation is awake and our officials, thanks be to God, are united around the axis of religion and Islam. Many try to extract statements from the officials of the country, from the president or others. They are wasting their efforts. The president is a religious, faithful, devoted follower of the Imam, responsible for promoting religion, and has a sense of responsibility in this regard. Other officials, thanks be to God, are the same at high levels. Of course, among the mid-level officials, there are those we have grievances against.

The enemy made a significant mistake in its analysis of the Iranian nation and the Iranian youth. Thanks be to God, the Iranian nation is a resilient, aware, vigilant, and ready-to-work nation. The situation of the youth is the same throughout the country. The officials, thanks be to God, are faithful officials, committed to religion, and have a sense of responsibility.

Of course, I said that day in the Friday prayer that I am genuinely pained by some phenomena in the country. I do not want to bring up what pains me in public opinion; however, the point I made that day is a sad story. It is truly so. Two years ago, in one of my Friday prayer sermons, I said that the world’s arrogant powers—and at the top of them, America—use propaganda to overthrow and create chaos in countries. Then I addressed those propaganda centers and said: But know that this plot of yours to create the same programs in the Islamic Iran that you created in Eastern Europe and in some other countries is impossible; this is a vain dream. Unfortunately, today I see that the same enemy, who through its propaganda aimed to direct the public opinion of a country, has established bases in our own country instead of radios! Some of the newspapers that exist today are enemy bases; they do the same work that the BBC and American and Zionist regimes want to do!

I am neither against the freedom of the press nor against the diversity of the press. If instead of twenty titles of newspapers, two hundred titles of newspapers emerge in this country, I would be even happier, and I have no negative feelings about the increase of newspapers in the country. If the press, as stated in the constitution, serves to enlighten, respects the interests of the country, writes in favor of the people, and writes in favor of religion, the more there are, the better. However, today, some newspapers are emerging that are entirely focused on creating public anxiety and generating discord and distrust among the people and their readers regarding the system! Ten or fifteen newspapers seem to be directed from a single center; with similar headlines in various issues. They magnify small issues and put headlines that make anyone who sees them think that everything in the country is lost! These kill hope in the youth; they weaken the spirit of trust in the officials among the masses of the country and insult and demean the main institutions of the country!

I do not know where their model comes from and who it is! The Western press is not like this! This is a type of press charlatanism that some newspapers have adopted today! In a world where some of our newspapers have a model of journalism, if an official, a minister, or even a president commits theft, they write and expose it; if they commit a crime, they expose it; if they engage in bribery, they headline it and say it; but they do not attack the constitution of the country; they do not attack the legislative assembly. They may criticize and analyze the approved laws; however, they do not create a ruckus regarding a law. They have gone even further than the original owners of these methods! The constitution is insulted; the main policies of the country are insulted; small issues are exaggerated!

In every incident, the atmosphere is filled with accusations! A terrorist incident occurs. No information is yet available; no one has any clue about who committed this incident; yet you see that in the newspaper, they headline it; they accuse the IRGC; they accuse the Basij; they accuse the clergy! What is the goal of these actions?! Why are they so hostile towards the Basij?! What are they against?! Why do they question the Basij so much?! This reveals those inner motivations.

I know that many good and faithful individuals are working in many of these newspapers—both those who write and those who manage—but among these, I see the fingerprints of "Abdullah ibn Ubay": sowing discord, creating divisions, inciting tensions, creating public anxiety, spreading despair, promoting elements dependent on and loyal to the enemy, and undermining useful, faithful, sincere, and caring elements! Of course, these actions will not lead anywhere; God Almighty will expose them.

I did not want to speak with such clarity and detail about some newspapers. In reality, I was compelled to do so. I have spoken with the officials. Our respected president is also, like me, upset with these newspapers; I have spoken with him as well. I heard that he has gathered some of them, advised them, and spoken to them. I do not know if working with advice will be effective or not? I doubt it! When the enemy has planned to influence public opinion and create a daily issue, they do not give the people a chance to breathe. If the people find a moment of joy, they immediately raise an issue and constantly create conflicts!

I have repeatedly warned the government officials and have seriously requested them to put an end to this situation. This is not called limiting the press. This is not called preventing the free transfer of information—the healthy transfer of information is approved by us. This means preventing the enemy's infiltration. Preventing the fruition of the enemy's propaganda plot. I consider the existence of this propaganda and press movement harmful to the country, to the youth, to the future, to the revolution, and to the faith of the people. This movement is constantly seeking to undermine the sanctity of fundamental Islamic issues. They question Islamic discussions; they question the revolution; not with logical arguments, but with very wrong methods that one cannot find a parallel to in unhealthy press in periods that have existed! I thought after discussing this with the officials and telling the president, I would share this as a heartfelt complaint and lament—as a father shares something with his children.

Of course, I tell you that one of the enemy's goals is to create insecurity in the country by provoking emotions. I strongly recommend that for the sake of emotions and for the sake of supporting a certain individual, no action contrary to the law should be taken. I will not allow this in any way. When the enemy wants to create chaos and conflict, it is not difficult for them to send a few mercenaries among the faithful, the Hezbollah youth, and the honest youth; under the pretext of supporting the leadership, under the pretext that the leadership has been wronged, come and help; then create a commotion! Be cautious of infiltrators. I want you to know; I want public opinion to be aware of what the enemy is doing in the cultural issues in the country and what its goals are. The enemy's goals from these actions are to undermine faith, create a rift between the current generation and the past generation, and diminish the glories of the past twenty years. All cultured people in countries strive to magnify their past glories. This eight-year war and this sacred defense were among the greatest glories of the Iranian nation. All the world—the NATO, the countries of the Eastern bloc, America itself, the reactionary countries of the region—colluded together, helped Iraq, and pressured Iran; yet they could not occupy a single inch of this country's soil.

My dear ones! In the past two hundred years, before this imposed war, whenever this country had a military conflict with another country, a part of the country was lost; however, after two hundred years, in a war where the enemy could not take a single inch of this country—even though all the military and political powers of the world and international support were with them—this eight-year war is one of the glories of Iranian history; yet they come and question the war, the warriors, the martyrs, the IRGC, the army, and the Basij! This disconnection of the current generation from the past generation and from past glories, this separation of the people from the officials and this separation of the people from their religious beliefs and sentiments, can only come from the enemy! Yet we see that a certain newspaper is also doing these things! Of course, there are also some who are not truly enemies—I know this—but they are oblivious. This was the lament I wanted to share with you. You should know, and the responsible institutions should know that this is a great danger. If this danger is not addressed, undoubtedly the enemy will advance one step and gain a new spirit. However, the place that the enemy will never be able to seize spiritually and morally is the place where the people are and where this servant of the people is located.

O Lord! Grant victory to the Iranian nation; crush and subdue its enemies. O Lord! Guide our youth to the path that pleases You. O Lord! Make our youth successful and victorious. O Lord! Through Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, bestow Your grace and favors upon the faithful daughters and sons in this country. O Lord! Through Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, make hearts kind to one another and bring us closer to Islam. O Lord! Through Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, increase the success of the officials of the country—government officials, officials of the judiciary, the legislative branch, and other officials—day by day. O Lord! Make the heart of the Awaited One pleased with us; make us among the soldiers of that great one; make the pure soul of the Imam and the pure souls of the martyrs pleased with us; bestow Your favors upon the veterans, the disabled, and the freed ones of the revolution, and those who have spent their lives and youth in this path.

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