Second Television Message to the Iranian Nation Following the Zionist Regime's Aggression

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

I extend my greetings to the great nation of Iran. The first point I wish to make is to commend our dear nation for its behavior in the recent situation that the enemy has brought upon the country. The Iranian nation has shown that it is both composed and courageous, and it is also timely. The magnificent movement that the people displayed on the day of Ghadir was a significant event; the gatherings of the people, the marches in these past few days, their presence in Friday prayers and their marches after prayers, all of these indicate the growth of the Iranian nation and the solidity of rationality and spirituality, accompanied by courage and timeliness in our dear nation. I thank God that, thanks be to God, He has placed this faithful nation at such a level of spiritual and material capabilities.

I must point out here the beautiful and meaningful action taken by that television presenter in response to the enemy's attack: proclaiming the Takbir (God is Great) and, in fact, presenting the power of the nation to the whole world; this was a historical event, a very valuable incident.

The second point is that this incident—the foolish and malicious aggression of the Zionist regime against our country—occurred while government officials were engaged in indirect negotiations with the American side; there was no indication from Iran that a military action or a harsh move was underway. Of course, it was suspected from the beginning that the United States was involved in this malicious act of the Zionist regime; but with the recent statements they have made, this suspicion is being reinforced day by day. The Iranian nation stands firm against the imposed war—as it has until now—and it also stands firm against imposed peace. The Iranian nation will not submit to anyone's imposition. I expect that thinkers and those who express and write, especially those connected with the global public opinion, will articulate and clarify these meanings and concepts, making them clear to the audience, and not allow the enemy to distort the truth with its deceptive propaganda. The Zionist enemy has made a big mistake, committed a great crime, and must be punished; it is currently being punished. The punishment that the Iranian nation and our armed forces have inflicted and are inflicting on this wicked enemy, and have plans for the future, is a severe punishment that has weakened it. The very fact that its American friends enter the scene and speak is a sign of its weakness and incapacity.

The last point is that recently the President of the United States has opened his mouth to threats; he threatens us; he both threatens and, in a despicable and unacceptable manner, explicitly asks the Iranian nation to come and submit to me! When one observes these things, one truly wonders. First, threats should be directed at those who fear them. The Iranian nation has shown that it does not become afraid in the face of the threats of the threatenors. وَ لا تَهِنوا وَ لا تَحزَنوا وَ اَنتُمُ الاَعلَونَ اِن کُنتُم مُؤمِنین (And do not weaken or grieve, for you will surely be superior if you are believers); the Iranian nation believes in this. Threats do not affect the behavior or thoughts of the Iranian nation. Secondly, to tell the Iranian nation to come and submit is not a wise statement. Rational individuals who know Iran, know the Iranian nation, and know the history of Iran would never utter such words. Submit to what? The Iranian nation is not one to be subdued. We have not attacked anyone, and we will not accept anyone's aggression in any way; this is the logic of the Iranian nation, this is the spirit of the Iranian nation.

And of course, the Americans, those who are familiar with the policies of this region, know that America's involvement in this matter is one hundred percent against its own interests. The damage it will incur in this regard will be far greater than any damage Iran may suffer. If the United States engages militarily in this arena, without a doubt, it will incur irreparable damage.

I tell our dear nation to always keep this noble verse in mind. Life, thanks be to God, is proceeding normally. Do not let the enemy feel that you are afraid of him, that you feel weak. If the enemy senses that you are afraid of him, he will never let go of your collar. Continue the behavior you have exhibited until today with strength. Those who are responsible for services, those who deal with the people, those who are in charge of propaganda and clarification, should carry out their work with strength and continue, and rely on God Almighty. وَ مَا النَّصرُ اِلّا مِن عِندِ اللَهِ العَزیزِ الحَکیم (And victory is not but from Allah, the Exalted in Might, the Wise); and God Almighty will surely grant victory to the Iranian nation and the truth and the right, God willing.

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