Statements at the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza on the First Day of 1394

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 al-Mustafa Muhammad, and upon his pure and chosen progeny, the infallible and honored guides, especially the Remaining One of God among the worlds. O God, send blessings upon Fatimah, the daughter of Your Prophet, the wife of Your Guardian, and the mother of the two grandsons, Hasan and Husayn, the masters of the youth of Paradise, the pure, the immaculate, the pious, the noble, the virtuous, the lady of all women in Paradise. O God, send peace upon Your Guardian, Ali ibn Musa, as many as there are in Your knowledge, with a lasting prayer as long as Your kingdom and sovereignty endure. O God, grant peace to Your Guardian, Ali ibn Musa, as many as there are in Your knowledge, with a lasting peace as long as Your glory, greatness, and majesty endure.

We thank the Almighty God for once again granting us the opportunity to meet with you, dear brothers and sisters, pilgrims and residents of the holy city of Mashhad, under the shadow of the shrine of His Holiness, Abu al-Hasan al-Ridha (peace be upon him).

The astute Muslim Iranian has transformed the ancient Nowruz according to his beliefs and in a manner of his own choosing; he has preserved the form of Nowruz while changing its content. The ancient Nowruz was a Nowruz of kings; it was an opportunity for tyrannical rulers to flaunt their grandeur and superficial might before nations and to sit back and receive gifts from them. Even during the time of the Umayyads and Abbasids, when Nowruz entered the courts of the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates, the same behavior and customs of the ancient Persian kings and emperors were practiced in their courts. However, the Muslim Iranian changed this order, this form, to his own benefit; although this change did not happen suddenly, today, after centuries, you can see that Nowruz is an excuse and a means for a heartfelt connection between the people and the source of greatness and dignity, namely the sacred essence of the Almighty God. In the Iranian Nowruz, the essence of Nowruz is a popular truth; people behave with each other with sincerity and love on the occasion of Nowruz; they congratulate each other and give gifts. The ancient and royal customs no longer exist in Nowruz after years and centuries. During the days of Nowruz and the arrival of the new year, the busiest and most crowded places in our vast country are the holy shrines of the Imams and the descendants of the Imams (peace be upon them). Last night — in the middle of the night — at this holy threshold, hundreds of thousands of believers with pure hearts turned towards the center of greatness and power, spoke to their God, sought a good change in their state from the One who governs affairs, and performed religious rituals; therefore, this Nowruz that we have today is not the ancient Nowruz; it is the Iranian Nowruz; it is the Nowruz of a Muslim nation that has been able to create an asset for itself from the mold of these ancient ceremonies and move towards its goals. We hope that the Almighty God assists the dear nation of Iran to apply these astute Islamic innovations in all matters and in all cases. Thus, this year, which coincides with the martyrdom of the great lady of the Islamic world, Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (peace be upon her), certainly the Nowruz ceremonies should not contradict the honoring and respect for her name and memory; and certainly, there will be no contradiction. Today, I have some points in mind that I wish to share with you, dear brothers and sisters present in this magnificent gathering, and with the entire nation of Iran.

I begin the discussion with a Quranic reflection. The Almighty God has set a condition for those whom He has promised victory: "And indeed, Allah is All-Powerful in granting them victory"; (1) "Those who, if We give them power in the land, establish prayer, pay zakat, enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong; and to Allah belongs the outcome of all matters." (2) The Almighty God has specified four indicators in this noble verse for those believers who are granted power and emerge from under the oppression of tyrannical powers, and He has promised that "Indeed, Allah is All-Powerful in granting them victory"; the Almighty God is capable of granting victory to such a nation, and He certainly will grant it. Among these four conditions are prayer, zakat, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong. Each of these four characteristics and indicators has an individual and personal aspect, but alongside that, they also have a social aspect and impact on social system-building. Prayer, with all the secrets and mysteries that are inherent in it, which is the ascension of every believer, is "the sacrifice of every pious person" (3), a means of success and happiness, and is superior to all actions; indeed, prayer also has a social aspect. The social aspect of prayer is that each Muslim, through prayer, connects with a single central point. At the same time, during the time of prayer, all Muslims in all places where the Islamic world is spread connect their hearts to a single central point; this connection of all hearts to a single central point is a social issue, a system-building issue, determining and shaping the geometry of the Islamic system.

Zakat, which has individual aspects and teaches generosity and giving "what one loves," is a very important experience and test, but it also has a social interpretation; zakat, in Quranic usages, means all forms of charity, including the specific zakat mentioned in the noble verse "Take from their wealth a charity" (4); zakat means all forms of financial donations, but the social aspect and system-building interpretation of zakat is that a person who possesses worldly wealth in an Islamic environment and community considers himself obligated, does not see himself as a creditor, but sees himself as indebted to the Islamic community; both in relation to the poor and the weak, and in relation to the cause of God; therefore, zakat, from this perspective, is a system-building principle and indicator.

As for enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, which is essentially the foundation of all social movements in Islam, "by it the obligatory acts are established"; (5) enjoining what is right means that all believers, wherever they are in the world, are obliged to guide society towards goodness, towards what is right, towards all good deeds; and forbidding what is wrong means keeping everyone away from evils, from lowliness, from filth. Each of these four indicators somehow translates into the construction and geometry of the Islamic system.

Let me add in passing that this important meaning of enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong should not be limited to issues below a certain threshold of importance; some think that enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong is limited to advising a certain woman or man who does not observe a religious duty; of course, these are forms of enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, but they are not the most important aspects of it. The most important aspect of enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong is to enjoin the greatest of what is right and to forbid the greatest of what is wrong. The greatest of what is right, first and foremost, is the establishment of the Islamic system and the preservation of the Islamic system; this is enjoining what is right. There is no greater good than establishing and preserving the Islamic system; anyone who strives in this path is an enforcer of what is right; preserving the dignity and honor of the Iranian nation is the greatest good. These are the goods: the elevation of culture, the health of the moral environment, the health of the family environment, the multiplication of generations and the upbringing of a young generation ready for the elevation of the country, boosting the economy and production, generalizing Islamic ethics, expanding science and technology, establishing judicial and economic justice, striving for the empowerment of the Iranian nation and beyond that, the empowerment of the Islamic Ummah, and striving for Islamic unity; these are the most important goods, and everyone is obliged to strive for these goods; to enjoin them. The opposite of these are the wrongs. Moral degradation is a wrong, aiding the enemies of Islam is a wrong, weakening the Islamic system is a wrong, undermining Islamic culture is a wrong, weakening the economy of society and undermining science and technology is a wrong; these wrongs must be forbidden. The first enforcer of what is right is the Almighty Lord Himself, who says: "Indeed, Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and liberality to relatives; and He forbids what is shameful, injustice, and transgression"; (6) God commands what is right and forbids what is wrong; the goods are specified, and the wrongs are also known. The noble Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him and his family) is one of the greatest enforcers of what is right and forbidders of what is wrong; the Quran states: "He enjoins them to what is right and forbids them from what is wrong"; (7) the Imams (peace be upon them) are the greatest enforcers of what is right and forbidders of what is wrong; in the visitation, you read: "I bear witness that you established prayer, paid zakat, enjoined what is right, and forbade what is wrong"; (8) the believing men and women in every corner of the Islamic world are enforcers of what is right, as it is stated: "And the believing men and women are allies of one another; they enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, and establish prayer and pay zakat"; (9) these are the four main pillars for system-building, from each of which branches emerge. The Islamic system is based on establishing prayer, paying zakat, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong; that is, the cohesion and social and heartfelt connection among the people in the Islamic system.

I want to draw a conclusion from this discussion at the beginning of my speech today regarding what I presented as the slogan of the year in my midnight speech last night. In our society, in our dear and vast country, Islam seeks cohesion, synergy, and mutual assistance from all of us, regardless of the social origins of individuals and their social preferences. Governments in the Islamic system must be supported by the people; even those who did not vote for a specific individual in the government should also support and back them; this is the true essence and meaning of social and national cohesion in our Islamic country. Everyone must show unity of word with the government that is responsible for work and in power and assist it; especially in those cases where the country faces important issues and significant challenges, which I will address.

Today, it is the duty of all segments of the nation to support the country's officials and assist the government officials. This is not specific to this government; it applies to all governments; governments that will come to power later will also have this characteristic. First, because all governments have the primary and fundamental concern of solving the problems of the people; of course, they may have different capabilities and not all be on the same level; secondly, they may have various preferences; however, the goal of all these governments is to solve the problems of the country to the best of their abilities during their term of responsibility. Any government that comes to power within the framework of the constitution is a legal government, a legitimate government. It does not matter how many and what proportion of the voters voted for this president or that president; the number of votes increasing or decreasing relates to popularity, but it does not relate to legitimacy and legality. Anyone who is elected by the majority of the people according to the framework of the constitution, regardless of the number of votes, is legitimate, a legal government, and the people must recognize it as such and assist it as much as they can; [of course] mutual rights are established.

Of course, every government has its critics; this government also has its critics, and previous governments each had their critics; up to this point, there is no problem. There are those who do not accept this method, do not accept this behavior, do not accept this statement, do not accept this policy; these are critics and they criticize, which is not a hindrance; however, criticisms must be within a logical framework. I myself have had criticisms of various governments, and I have always pointed out these criticisms; in no case have I refrained from mentioning what I see as a flaw and a point of criticism; however, these criticisms should be made in an appropriate manner and at an appropriate time and in an appropriate form; either we send a message, or we say it in person, or we insist. Giving reminders is not a problem, but these reminders should not undermine public trust in those who are responsible and working; reminders should be made in a way that does not create public distrust, should not involve insults, and should not involve angry methods; everyone should look at the relationship between the government and the nation with Islamic brotherhood and behave accordingly.

Of course, this is reciprocal. I advise the people to speak kindly and with a spirit of cooperation and solidarity with the government, and I emphasize to the officials of the country – in all three branches – that they should also behave appropriately with their critics and with those who criticize them, should not belittle them, should not insult them; belittling opponents by officials is contrary to wisdom and good management. I do not invite our dear people to indifference, nor do I invite them to neglect; I invite them to be attentive to the fundamental issues of the country; however, I insist that the interactions, neither from the people towards the officials nor from the officials towards the critics, should be destructive; there should be no belittling, no insults. It is possible that in a certain issue, some individuals may have concerns; having concerns is not a crime; being worried is not a crime. Some may genuinely feel concern and worry about an important and sensitive issue of the country; there is no hindrance to that; however, this should not mean accusing others, nor should it mean overlooking the efforts and services rendered. On the other hand, the government and its supporters should not insult those who express concern and worry. I say this explicitly to our dear nation – I have said it before – I have supported all governments during my term of responsibility; I support this government as well. Wherever necessary, I will give reminders; of course, I do not give a blank check to anyone. I look at the performances and judge based on performances, and with God's grace and assistance, I will act based on performances as well. This is the first point in explaining and clarifying what we have presented as the slogan of the year – solidarity and harmony between the government and the nation; they should be united, they should be in harmony, and they should cooperate and move together towards solving problems.

We have stated that this becomes important when great opportunities are at hand and significant challenges are anticipated; today is one of those days. Today, we have both great opportunities and challenges ahead of us that we must confront and, with the help of these opportunities, overcome these challenges with God's grace. Well, today we have great opportunities; one of our greatest opportunities relates to the efficient and innovative human resources that, thanks be to God, are abundant in our country, primarily young and innovative individuals with a spirit of initiative.

One of our greatest opportunities is the support of our people and our youth for the system and the goals of the system and the Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified). I draw your attention, dear brothers and sisters, to look at the demonstrations on Quds Day or the 22nd of Bahman; the majority of the participants are young people; these young people are the same ones who are constantly bombarded by audio-visual and internet media with destructive messages; there is a commotion in the world; in the virtual world. In the world of audio-visual media, hundreds of media outlets, and with the credibility of thousands of media outlets, are bombarding the thoughts of our youth; some of them try to turn the youth away from religion, some try to dissuade them from the Islamic system, some try to incite them to create divisions, some try to take them into their wicked goals, some try to lead them to laxity and idleness; this bombardment is constantly taking place over our youth by these devices and audio-visual and internet media; meanwhile, you see that tens of millions of these young people across the country come out on the 22nd of Bahman, chant slogans, express their feelings, and show their loyalty to the Imam, to Islam, and to the Islamic system; this is not a small matter; this is a very great opportunity.

Another opportunity is the scientific advancements that have occurred during the sanctions. There are times when powers and governments and global and international funds come to the aid of a nation; there are times when they close all doors on a nation, yet that nation can still achieve great things in various fields. Today, you see these achievements; these should not be underestimated. The twelfth phase of South Pars, which was inaugurated by the President a few days ago, is a very large and complex industrial project that can significantly increase the economic growth of the country and the product of the collective efforts of the country. We have many such things. You have seen in the military exercises, devices have entered the arena that astonish the enemies; they express their astonishment; not that we guess their astonishment, they themselves say they are astonished; all of this has happened during the sanctions. This is not a small matter; this is a very great opportunity; these were achieved during the long years of sanctions – that is, from the years 89, 90, 91, and 92 when these so-called paralyzing sanctions were cast over the country – by our youth, by our innovative forces. This is a very great opportunity for the country; [thus] these sanctions are also an opportunity. I will briefly mention later that these very sanctions can, in a sense, be an opportunity for the Iranian nation; yes, they have created difficulties, but this sanction can be an opportunity, which I will elaborate on in this regard. Of course, we also have challenges, and I will discuss some of these challenges today. Today, one of the most critical and significant challenges facing the country is the issue of the national economy; the economy. The rightful expectation of our people is that they should enjoy a flourishing economy, that there should be public welfare, that the weak class should be lifted from an unacceptable situation, that they should be freed from problems; these are the expectations of our people, and these expectations are rightful; the economy of the country needs a serious movement and a great effort, which I will now mention some of the characteristics. I have been speaking about the economy for several years. In this very session, several years ago, I predicted and said that the enemies would focus on our economy, (10) the officials should be mindful, prepare themselves; they should tighten their belts to confront the enmity of the enemies and the hostile policies of the enemies that focus on the economy of the country. Now I will present some points regarding the economy.

The decade of justice and progress has passed its midpoint. We have designated and introduced a decade as the decade of justice and progress, which has passed its midpoint; the twenty-year outlook has reached its midpoint, the twenty years for which we have set an outlook and policy, ten years have passed; ten more years are ahead of us, these are important matters; the sensitivity of economic issues increases with these realities.

Our enemies explicitly state that their goal from economic pressures is a political goal. Their goal is to place the Iranian people against the Islamic system; (11) please pay attention; of course, yes, "Death to America," because America is the main agent of these pressures, and they insist on focusing on the economy of our dear nation. What is their goal? Their goal is to put the people against the system; they explicitly state that they want to bring economic pressure so that the situation of the people becomes difficult and the people are forced to protest against the government and the Islamic system. They explicitly say this, of course, sometimes they falsely claim to be supporters of the Iranian nation, which cannot be believed and should not be trusted from the enemy, but their goal is the same political goal. They want to destroy the security that exists in our country today – which this security is unparalleled in the region of West Asia where we are located; thanks be to God, today there is no country in the east, west, north, or south that has security like the security that prevails over our country and our nation today – by getting the people to disrupt security; and to incite protest movements in the country; they are provoking, they are working, they are planning. This is what they are pursuing with seriousness and intensity; well, this is an important condition, this is a significant challenge. When such a challenge exists in the country, all forces must come together, work together, and take the issue of the economy seriously.

I will mention a few points regarding the economy. The first point is that today the arena of the economy, due to the hostile policies of America, is an arena of warfare, a battlefield, a war of a special kind. In this arena of warfare, anyone who can strive for the benefit of the country has engaged in jihad. Today, anyone who can help the economy of the country has performed a jihad. This is jihad; of course, it is a jihad that has its own tools, its own specific methods; this jihad must be carried out by everyone with their own special wisdom and their own specific weapons. This is the first point.

The second point is that there are two perspectives on the economy of our country. I kindly ask especially the experts and also our dear youth and the general public to pay attention to this point that there are two perspectives on economic growth and progress; one perspective says that we should achieve economic progress from the capacities within the country and among the people. There are many capacities in the country that have either not been utilized or have not been utilized properly; we should use these capacities; [that is] an endogenous economy; an economy that derives its essence and material from within the country and from the capabilities of our own people. This is one perspective that says for economic growth we should look at the internal capabilities of the country and recognize these potentials and capacities, utilize them properly, [then] the economy will grow, it will flourish; this is one perspective.

The second perspective on the economy is to achieve economic progress by utilizing help from outside the borders; it says we should change our foreign policy to improve our economy, we should come to terms with such and such arrogant powers to boost our economy, we should accept the impositions of arrogant powers in various sectors and issues to improve our economy; this is the second perspective. Today, the conditions of the country have shown us that this second perspective is completely wrong, sterile, and ineffective. The very sanctions that are currently being imposed against the Iranian nation are a strong and convincing proof of the incorrectness of this perspective; that is, when you sit in hope of foreign powers to come and boost your economy and by submitting to them, you think your economy will flourish, they are not satisfied with a minimum. When you look outside, you face an issue like the drop in oil prices; suddenly, the arrogant powers, in collaboration with their regional agents, unfortunately come to the conclusion to reduce the price of oil to half and sometimes less than half; you face such a problem; when your perspective is outward, this is what happens. When you look inward, it is no longer like this. Today, foreigners and the heads of arrogant powers want to strengthen this second perspective among our people.

I saw the message of the President of the United States that he addressed to the people of Iran on the occasion of Nowruz; in this message, he says that you should accept our words; in fact, the content and product of his words is that he says in the nuclear negotiations, you should accept what we dictate to you so that work can be created in your country, so that capital can be generated, so that economic activity can be initiated in your country; that is, this second perspective. This perspective is one that will never yield results; we must look to the internal capacities of the country; there are many internal potentials. This resistant economy that we have mentioned and introduced, which fortunately has been accepted and welcomed by all experts – I have not seen a single economic or social expert reject what has been proposed as the policy of a resistant economy – pertains to this; it pertains to the internal capabilities of the country. When they do not allow you to bring water from outside for your land, you must dig a well and draw water from your own land so that you do not depend on the water of that stingy neighbor; we must seek help from within ourselves and be able to advance our work. This is the second point.

The third point is that neither in the economy nor in any other program can we move forward without goal-setting; goal-setting must be established. If in any work, the government officials move forward without goal-setting, the work will become routine; it will not yield results. There must be a specific and stable goal that all agencies and all resources can mobilize towards. In my opinion, what should be considered as the economic goal this year and in the years to come is investment in domestic production. All efforts from all sides should be mobilized to strengthen domestic production.

Of course, there are ways to assist, and I will mention some. One of the most necessary actions is to support medium and small production enterprises; one of the actions is to strengthen the activities of knowledge-based enterprises. The reason we emphasize science and technology is not just because we want to raise our scientific standards; the advancement of science and technology helps the economy; knowledge-based enterprises can assist the national economy. One of the necessary actions is the movement to reduce raw material exports. The fact that I recently protested about our economy's dependence on oil and mentioned it in a speech pertains to this. We must work to gradually reduce raw material exports until they are completely eliminated; we must create added value. Banks can play a role; both as helpers and as destroyers; this must be considered by the senior banking officials of the country. Some banks across the country have, through specific methods, led some small and medium enterprises to closure and destruction; banks can help or they can destroy. One of the fundamental actions is to facilitate investment; one of the fundamental actions is to reduce imports of consumer goods; one of the fundamental actions is to combat smuggling. Various actions can be undertaken by government officials; some of these were the things I mentioned here. Of course, all these actions are difficult; saying these words is easy, but implementing them is challenging. However, these challenging tasks must be carried out by the officials because this is a significant issue. The people can also play a role. Those who are capable of investing should direct their investments towards production and invest in production. Those who are consumers – which all our nation essentially are consumers – should consume domestic products, which I have emphasized repeatedly and today I also emphasize and insist on this. Everyone should try to consume domestic products, support Iranian workers, and boost domestic production workshops by consuming their products. Avoiding waste; those who are wasteful should know that this wastefulness and extravagance, which is so condemned in Islam, determines the fate of the national economy; if wastefulness and extravagance in personal wealth, whether water, bread, excessive ceremonial items in parties, weddings, and other ceremonies, and other things are avoided, it will help the national economy. Those who are involved in foreign trade and external transactions can play a role; their role is to act with integrity to preserve the dignity of the Iranian nation. This is the third point.

The fourth point regarding the economy is that sanctions are the only tool of the enemy; this must be understood. The only tool of the enemy to confront the Iranian nation today is sanctions; if we act correctly, if we act wisely, sanctions can become ineffective. As I pointed out, the very production and industrial devices that today, fortunately, the government is inaugurating – including the twelfth phase of South Pars that I mentioned earlier and these military advancements and these science and technology parks and similar things – are actions that can eliminate such sanctions; they can first reduce the impact of sanctions and then eliminate them. Sanctions were the most challenging, but they also had blessings for us. Sanctions showed us that we must rely on ourselves and proved to us that we can utilize our internal forces. If government officials and all people, especially active individuals in economic sectors, strive, make efforts, and public media outlets also assist – which I will now refer to – God willing, we will see that sanctions will not be able to prevent the Iranian nation from progressing.

Let me say a few words regarding nuclear issues; of course, there are other points that I do not want to elaborate on further. A few sentences regarding nuclear issues: First, regarding nuclear issues, our enemies who are the opponents of the Iranian nation – primarily America – are moving with planning and policymaking. We are fully aware of this; they understand what they are doing; they need these negotiations; America needs the nuclear negotiations very much. The differences you see among Americans, senators in one way, the American government in another way, do not mean that they do not need these negotiations; no, the opposing faction of the government does not want the advantage that exists in these negotiations to be recorded in the name of its rival, the Democratic Party; they are pursuing this. They need these negotiations and consider them necessary for themselves, but they express a facade of self-sufficiency.

In the same Nowruz message from the President of the United States, unfortunately, there were insincere statements. Although he apparently expresses friendship towards the Iranian nation, one can clearly and distinctly realize that these statements are not sincere. One of the statements is that there are those in Iran who do not agree with a diplomatic resolution of the nuclear issue; he says this. He says there are those in Iran who do not want the nuclear issue to be resolved through negotiations; this is a lie; there is no one in Iran who does not want the nuclear issue to be resolved and to be resolved through negotiations. What the Iranian nation does not want is to accept impositions and bullying from America; this is what they do not want. What the Iranian nation resists is the acceptance of the bullying from the opposing side. The opposing side says let’s negotiate and you must accept our demands exactly; this is what they say. The Iranian nation stands against this, and certainly neither our officials nor our negotiating team, nor the Iranian nation behind them will ever accept this.

The second point regarding nuclear issues is that the negotiations currently underway with European governments and with America are solely about the nuclear issue and nothing else; everyone should know this. We do not negotiate with America regarding regional issues; America’s goals in regional issues are precisely the opposite of our goals. We want security and tranquility in the region; America’s policy in the region is to create insecurity. Look at Egypt, look at Libya, look at Syria! The arrogant powers, led by America, have launched a counter-offensive against the Islamic awakening that has emerged through the nations, which is still ongoing and gradually brings misfortune to the nations in the region; this is their goal; this is precisely the opposite of our goals. We do not negotiate with America at all regarding regional issues, internal issues, or issues of armaments; negotiations are solely about the nuclear issue and how we can reach a conclusion on the nuclear issue through diplomatic means.

The third point is that the Americans repeatedly say, "We will make a deal with Iran, and then we will see if they comply with the agreement, and then we will lift the sanctions"; this statement is incorrect and unacceptable; we do not accept this. Lifting the sanctions is part of the negotiations, not the result of the negotiations; those who are involved understand this distinction very well. This is an American trick that they say we will make a deal, we will look at the behaviors, and then we will lift the sanctions! It is not like that; just as our officials have stated clearly and the respected President has stated clearly, lifting the sanctions must occur without any delay upon reaching an agreement; that is, lifting the sanctions is part of the agreement, not something contingent upon the agreement.

Another point; the Americans repeatedly say that Iran must have irreversibility in the decisions it makes and the things it accepts; we do not accept this. If the opposing side can impose sanctions against the Iranian nation for any reason, there is no justification for our negotiating team to accept and do something that is irreversible; absolutely not, this is a popular industry, a domestic industry, belonging to the people, its knowledge and technology belong to the people, it must progress; this progress is inherent to every industry and technology. They bring up the issue of nuclear weapons; well, they know very well that we are not pursuing nuclear weapons, but they have used this as an excuse to exert pressure on the Iranian nation. In these negotiations, we have adhered to all international commitments, we have adhered to political and Islamic ethical commitments, we have not violated agreements, we have not spoken in two voices, we have not shown inconsistency; the opposite side, our opponents, the Americans, have violated agreements, shown inconsistency in their positions, and demonstrated deception; their behavior is a lesson for our nation; those who within the intellectual community of the country are still unaware of who their opponent is – America – should pay attention to these negotiations and understand who they are dealing with and what America is doing in the world today. These threats they make are ineffective; the threats of further sanctions, the threats of military action during their statements, these are threats that do not scare the Iranian nation; the Iranian nation stands firm and, God willing, will emerge from this great test with complete success; of course, divine assistance can enable our nation to succeed in this path.

There are many other important issues that cannot be discussed at this moment; certainly, there are great tasks ahead for the nation and government of Iran; the issue of Islamic unity, the issue of assisting oppressed nations, the expansion of the spiritual influence of Islam in the region, which today is carried by the Iranian nation, these are great tasks that, if the Almighty God grants His assistance to our dear nation – which God willing He will, by the blessing of your prayers, by the blessing of your efforts and especially the youth – we will certainly accomplish these great tasks.

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