Statements at the Commemoration Ceremony for the Martyrs of the Recent Imposed War

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

This session was held to honor the families of the dear martyrs and to express condolences to all those mourning the events that occurred in the recent imposed war. I felt it necessary to extend my condolences to all the survivors of our dear ones, the military commanders, the esteemed scholars, and our beloved people who were martyred in this incident. I offer my condolences to all the survivors, especially the fathers, mothers, spouses, and children; may their reward be with God the Exalted, and their honor be among the highest human, divine, and Islamic honors.

What happened in these twelve days for the Islamic Republic, in addition to the great honors that the Iranian nation achieved — which today the people of the world are also acknowledging — was that the Islamic Republic and the dear nation of Iran demonstrated their power, determination, will, and resilience to the world. If others had heard something from afar, they felt the power of the Islamic Republic up close. Moreover, it is important to note that the Islamic Republic showcased the unparalleled strength of the foundations of its system and country to the world.

These events were not unprecedented for the Islamic Republic; since the beginning of the revolution, such events have occurred multiple times for the country; in addition to the eight-year imposed war, there have been instigations, drawing weak individuals against the nation, various military, political, and security conspiracies, coups, and similar occurrences; however, the Islamic Republic has overcome all of these; the Islamic Republic has been able to neutralize all the enemy's plots over the course of more than 45 years through its endurance of hardships and has been able to prevail over all enemies in these areas.

What is important is to pay attention to the fact that Islamic Iran is founded on "religion" and "knowledge." In the establishment of the Islamic Republic, the two elements of "religion" and "knowledge" are the main components; for this reason, the faith of the people and the knowledge of our youth have been able to force the enemy to retreat in many different fields. This will continue to be the case.

What global arrogance, led by the criminal America, opposes is precisely your religion and your knowledge; they oppose your religion, they oppose the widespread faith of the people, they oppose this unity under the shadow of Islam and the Quran; and they oppose your knowledge. The fact that since the victory of the revolution until today, the population of Iran has doubled while the number of students has perhaps increased tenfold or more, disturbs them; that the Islamic Republic can introduce new ideas in various fields of science and knowledge — whether in the humanities, technical sciences, or religious sciences — bothers them; they oppose this. What they refer to as the [nuclear] issue, enrichment, human rights, and similar matters are just excuses; the essence of the matter is that.

And the nation of Iran, by God's grace, will not abandon its religion and knowledge. We will take significant steps in strengthening our religious faith and in expanding and deepening our diverse knowledge; and by God's grace and to the dismay of the enemy, we will be able to elevate Iran to the peak of progress and honor; the nation of Iran has this capability and, God willing, by God's grace, will exercise this capability and bring it to fruition.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings