Statements of the Supreme Leader in Meeting with Officials and Administrators of the System

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, Abul-Qasim al-Mustafa Muhammad, and upon his pure, immaculate, and chosen family, especially the remainder of God on earth.

We extend a warm welcome to all dear brothers and sisters, esteemed and honorable officials of various sectors of the country. We thank the honorable President for the good report he provided to all of us.

What I wish to emphasize at the beginning of my remarks is the encouragement to seize the opportunity of these days and nights. We need to make the most of these blessed hours, days, and nights by strengthening our spiritual connection with the world of meaning, the unseen world, through supplication, humility, and devotion before the Lord of lords, and by solidifying our bond of Guardianship with the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) and this noble family. This is the foundation of all good deeds that can emanate from a faithful and striving person on the path of truth.

If we do not utilize these hours, if we do not seize this opportunity, a day will come when it will be a source of regret for us; 'And warn them of the Day of Regret when the matter will be concluded, and they are in heedlessness, and they do not believe.' (Maryam: 39) In the midst of heedlessness and disbelief, these opportunities slip away, and on that day when every hour, every minute, every action, every word of ours will be accounted for, this heedlessness will be a source of regret. By then, it will be too late; 'when the matter is concluded.' The matter will have passed; on that day, we will realize and become aware.

The late Mirza Jawad Agha Maleki (may God's mercy be upon him) in his noble book 'Muraqabat' has a sentence regarding the hour of Laylat al-Qadr, which I have noted. Of course, this is always relevant, but he mentioned it on this occasion. 'Know with certainty that if you are heedless of such honor and waste it through negligence,'; if we are heedless and waste these opportunities, then: 'and you see on the Day of Resurrection what the diligent have attained.' When the Day of Resurrection comes and the deeds of people are presented, and the celestial form of our deeds is present there, you will look and see that the very act you could have performed and did not, the word you could have spoken that would have benefited people and did not, the step you could have taken that would have benefited the deserving and did not, this small act was performed by others; some people strove, exerted effort, and what great reward God Almighty gives them on that day. We will be deprived of that reward on that day. When a person observes that another who performed this act, did this good deed, took this step, performed this act of worship, has attained such a great achievement on that day when everyone is in need, he says: 'You will be afflicted with the regret of the Day of Regret'; this is where a person becomes regretful; what regret! Wishing that I had done this act, taken this step, spoken this word, refrained from this act or word. Then he says that the regret of the 'Day of Regret' is not like ordinary regrets. In this world, sometimes if a person does something, he will have an achievement; if he does not, he will become regretful and remorseful. But how different is this from that? He says: 'which makes the fire of Hell and the painful punishment seem small'; this regret is so severe, so painful that in comparison, the fire of Hell is small. In a sense, regret pours into a person like molten lead. 'On that day, you will call out with the losers and the regretful, 'Oh, my regret over what I neglected in the presence of God,' then 'and regret will not benefit you'; on that day, regret will no longer be of any use.

Today, you enjoy the blessing of life, many of you enjoy the blessing of youth, thanks be to God, all or most of you enjoy physical and mental vitality, you can work, you can make good use of these happy hours; of these nights, these supplications, these invocations, these night vigils, these supererogatory prayers. Sometimes a small act has such a great reward that a person in this world and within the material frameworks he is placed in, cannot believe it - 'and they do not believe' (Maryam: 39) - but it exists. Well, this is an opportunity, the opportunity of Ramadan; that too is an opportunity, the opportunity of service. Today you have responsibility, you have the opportunity to serve, you have management, you can work; you must make the most of this opportunity. Use the various hours and moments and resources at your disposal. Every action in this Islamic system, in this Islamic and divine country that serves the progress of the country, whether spiritually or materially, has rewards that if a person sees on the Day of Resurrection that others are enjoying and he is deprived, he will experience such regret. This is now my statement, which I believe is the main and important part of today's remarks. I myself need more than you to act on this advice and recommendation. God willing, God Almighty will grant all of us this success.

What I have prepared to say today is that the ability and capacity of the Iranian nation to preserve the revolution and safeguard the revolution has a greatness and importance that perhaps can be said to be no less than the importance of the revolution itself. The Iranian nation has been able to preserve this great achievement with high quality over the past thirty-three years. Look at these revolutions that have occurred in the region over the past year and a half. When you look at them collectively, you can judge whether these revolutions are moving in the right direction or not. The enemies, the arrogant powers, specifically the Zionist regime, the American government, and Western governments, are making efforts to ride these revolutions and divert them. You see what great challenges they are facing.

Considering these challenges, one understands what a great task has been accomplished in our country, that this revolution has maintained its path towards its ideals in the right direction; it has not deviated from the track of values and ideals and has continued its forward movement. This is while the challenges and threats have also increased. From the very beginning, the threats that the revolution and the country faced have become increasingly complex; there were assassinations, ethnic uprisings, war, sanctions, and blockades. As we moved forward, the threats became more complex; the enemies and opponents of the system took the lead. The events of Tir 1999, the events of 2009, all kinds of threats that this revolution, this country, and this nation faced. This nation has passed through all of them and is steadfastly moving forward on its path. These are things that we need to consider today and always; they will help us in traversing difficult paths, passing through sharp turns and steep slopes.

What one observes in this thirty-three-year movement, the lesson that the revolution taught and Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified) left behind, is that in this thirty-three-year movement, the great ideals and aspirations that Islam instills in us and teaches us were not overlooked; at the same time, the existing realities of society and the world were also considered; this helped this movement to continue; that is, the combination of idealism and realism. They introduced a notion, wrote about it, and said that considering the realities of society and the world is incompatible with idealism. They confused idealism with dreaminess. What we want to pursue and insist on is that realism, observing the realities of society and the world, is not incompatible with idealism and the pursuit of the great aspirations and dreams of the Iranian nation. If we can combine idealism with realism, its operational translation becomes that we combine prudence with striving; we strive and move with effort, and this striving movement is placed within a well-planned framework; this requires public awareness, awareness of those involved, and the cooperation of hearts and tongues in all arenas.

Some pretend that idealism is incompatible with realism; we strongly reject this. Many of the ideals of our society and their demand are among the realities of society. People want national dignity, people want a life of faith and religion, people want to participate in the administration and management of the country - that is, democracy - people want progress, political and economic independence; these are the general desires of the people. These desires are realities of society; these realities are precisely in line with idealism; these are not analytical and mental issues, these are not illusions, these are not mental constructs; these are realities that exist in society. A living and faithful society seeks these things; it wants national dignity, it wants independence, it wants progress, it wants international prestige; these are the desires that people have; these are in line with ideals; and this desire is among the definite realities of society. Therefore, realities can be in service and directed towards ideals. Yes, mentioning ideals without considering realities and without considering the reasonable and logical mechanisms for achieving ideals is fantasy; ideals will remain at the level of slogans; but when the country's officials pursue ideals logically and firmly, and the people cooperate, this is where the realities of society align with ideals. Well, this is a fundamental matter and a fundamental basis for the country's movement.

I would like to present some of the realities of society. There are realities that if we do not bring these realities into our calculations, we will certainly make mistakes in judgment; we will also make mistakes in choosing the path. These realities must be seen. Of course, none of these realities that I present are analyses; they are all observable realities before us.

Let me say this beforehand; when we want to have idealism accompanied by realism - that is, to see the realities and adjust our movement based on the realities - we must be careful not to fall into the pitfalls that may arise here. There are pitfalls. One pitfall is reality-assumption; assuming things that are not real as reality. The enemies who have formed a front against our country, our nation, our revolution, try to create realities, to present things as definite realities in our view; while the realities are not those. We must be careful not to get involved and caught up in reality-making that is contrary to reality. Suppose if we consider our own capabilities more than they are, or less than they are, we will make a mistake; if we see the enemy's capabilities more than they are, or less than they are, we will make a calculation error. This is one of the areas where the enemy's designers enter the field. You observe; in the widespread media propaganda of our enemies, they try to belittle and diminish the internal and national capabilities of the country; conversely, they introduce the enemy's capabilities as more than they are; this is one of the pitfalls. If we consider the enemy more than necessary, more than what should be considered, and fear them more, we will certainly make a calculation error; we will go the wrong way; this is one of the pitfalls.

One of the pitfalls in seeing reality relates to our own inner self. Sometimes our attachments are paralyzing. Our attachments cause us to perceive things as reality that are not reality; in fact, it is an error imposed on us by our comfortable-seeking or materially attached self; while it is not reality.

One of these pitfalls is to imagine that achieving ideals is possible without cost. We saw this during the struggles; there were some who accepted the goals of the struggles, but they were not willing to pay any cost for these struggles, to take any steps. Today, there are such people; they imagine that goals should be achieved without paying a cost; therefore, where there is a cost to be paid, they retreat. These retreats in many cases cause a person to make a calculation error; not to follow the line that should be pursued against the enemy.

Another pitfall is that we see part of the realities and do not see another part of the realities; this also causes error; it will lead to a calculation error. Realities must be seen and known together.

Now I will mention some of these realities. We do not claim to present all the realities of the country here; but it is an introduction, it can open our eyes to various realities. What situation are we in? Where are we? What do we have? What do we not have? Considering these realities, with the judgment I have on this issue, is very hopeful. When we put the realities together, we observe them; we feel that the path of the Iranian nation towards lofty ideals is an open path. This path has challenges; but the path is open, there is no dead end. The goal of the opposing front of the Islamic system and the Islamic revolution and our enemy is to show the path as a dead end. They themselves say we must do these things, apply these pressures, impose this blockade, impose these sanctions, so that the officials of the Islamic Republic reconsider their calculations. I say; considering the realities not only prevents us from reconsidering our past calculations, but it makes us more confident in the correctness of the path we have taken and the path the revolution has set before us.

One of the existing realities of the country - which today is more than in past years - is the presence of pressures and threats. The country is facing the power struggle of several arrogant powers and governments. As we have repeatedly stated, our counterpart is not the global community, it is not governments, it is not nations; it is a few governments; however, they have a strong media apparatus. This is something we must admit that the Americans and Westerners are indeed strong in, the power of media, the power of propaganda; what they themselves call it. What we admit they are strong in is media power and the ability to present matters they want to be presented. Today, with their high media and propaganda power, they are strongly promoting and saying this, and it is a reality that there are a few governments; however, with this media power, they introduce themselves as the 'global community,' and they lie; it is not the global community. This is a reality.

We are facing the power struggle of a few arrogant powers. They also have a black army behind them, which is also against us; but they have no existence of their own, they have no power. If the support of a power like the United States is removed from over their heads, they are nothing; they are not counted in global and international equations; but now as a black army, they are moving behind the United States and behind the Zionist regime and the global Zionist network. This is a reality, this has formed since the beginning of the revolution; it has not decreased and has even increased. Of course, in magnifying this reality, everyone is complicit; this is one of those pitfalls. They try to show this reality as bigger, more severe, harder, and more bitter. We accept that there is pressure against us, there are sanctions, there are economic, political, security, and especially media capabilities behind this movement; this is a reality.

Another reality that must be seen alongside this reality is that it is suggested that this power struggle is for, for example, the nuclear issue or the issue of human rights; and this is a lie. The falsehood of this claim is one of the realities. Not that we say this is a reality; today there is no one in the world who believes that the United States is pursuing human rights, pursuing the rights of nations; or that the genocidal and child-killing Zionist regime is pursuing the implementation of democracy in the countries of the world. The record of the United States, the record of the Zionist regime, the record of these few powers that stand against the Islamic Republic, in terms of the issue of human rights and support for the rights of nations and human rights, is a very dark record. Sixty years of genocide in Palestine, is that not a violation of human rights? Providing nuclear weapons to the usurping Zionist state, is that not a violation of world peace? Those who did these things, can they claim to defend world peace? Providing chemical weapons to someone like Saddam, is that not a violation of human rights? Actions like those in Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo and Afghanistan and Iraq and other parts of the world by the Americans, by the Westerners, by the British, do they leave any room for claiming to defend human rights? Therefore, when they say their confrontation with the Islamic Republic is for human rights, it is a lie; and when they say their confrontation with the Islamic Republic is for nuclear weapons, it is a lie; we initially expressed this with a guess, then in international negotiations and exchanges, it became clear to us that they know the Islamic Republic is not pursuing nuclear weapons; they have believed and accepted this, and the reality is the same; yet they raise the issue of nuclear weapons. So the claim that these pressures, these sanctions, these blockades, these hostilities and enmities are because of the nuclear issue and the nuclear capability issue is a lie; this falsehood is also a reality.

The reality is that their opposition is because of the essence of the revolution and the essence of the formation of the Islamic system. They were ruling in this region with peace of mind. A country like Iran with these abundant resources, with these abundant capabilities, was in their grasp; they did whatever they wanted; they made any decision they wanted; they used the resources of this country to advance their own goals in every way, but now they are deprived of it. It is not just this; this movement has caused this claim and motivation to awaken in the Islamic world, which today we see its signs in North Africa and the Middle East and in all countries and nations; they are upset about this. The focal point is the Islamic Republic; they want to strike the Islamic Republic and make it a lesson for others; this is the real motivation. This is also a reality.

Another reality is that these challenges that exist today for the Islamic Republic are not new. This is also not an analysis, this is a reality; everyone sees and observes this. There was a time when our oil and non-oil ships were being hit in the Persian Gulf; there was a time when the Kharg oil terminal was being bombed; there was a time when all our existing industrial centers were under the enemy's bombing umbrella; these are things we saw with our own eyes; we passed these days; these are not new for us. Today they do not dare to approach the Islamic Republic - which I will now explain - this is another part of the realities. There was a time when they had the courage, they came, they struck, they attacked. Saddam's war with us was not a war of one government with us; it was an international war against us. Therefore, these challenges that exist - they threaten, they say, they count, they magnify - are not new for the Islamic Republic. This is also a reality.

Another reality is that the Islamic Republic system has passed through all these difficulties and steep slopes. Did we not pass through? Did we stop? Were they able to strike the Islamic Republic? Were they able to damage the ideals and principles of the Islamic Republic? They could not. This is also a reality. These realities must always be before our eyes.

Another reality is that we have progressed in these conditions of threat. Over these many years, we have advanced in all fields; we have progressed in the fields of complex sciences; we have progressed in the technologies needed by the country; in the fields of medicine, transportation, housing, water, roads, the country has made outstanding progress; today some of the statistics were mentioned by the President and you heard them. Despite all these pressures, the country has consistently moved forward over these years. In the field of some important and exclusive sciences - in laser, in nano, in stem cells, in the nuclear industry - the country has achieved a rank. Well, these are role models in the Islamic world; this is a reality. We have not stopped, we have constantly moved forward. The Islamic Republic system, with all these threats that have existed - such as sanctions and non-sanctions and threats and various complex security and political actions and so on - has had these advances. This is also a reality; this is also not an analysis; these are tangible things that are before all of us. You esteemed officials know these better than the general public.

Another reality is that the country has become much stronger in facing challenges and threats compared to the early years of the revolution. Today we are much stronger in facing threats than we were at the beginning; both our self-confidence is greater, our reliance on God is not little, and our tangible and existing capabilities are more than before. The powers are trying with all their might, admitting that they cannot advance; they have not been able to advance their work.

Another reality is that the opposing front has weakened over these years. That is, if we consider the two main symbols of this front to be the United States and the Zionist regime, and the West to be behind them, it is clear that they have weakened. Today the Zionist regime is much weaker than it was twenty years ago and thirty years ago. After the events in North Africa and the issue of Egypt, the Zionist regime has been severely weakened; it has internal problems, and it has endless external problems. Today's America is not the America of Reagan's time; they have retreated significantly. In Iraq, their situation became like that; in Afghanistan, their situation is getting worse day by day; they failed in their Middle East policies; in the thirty-three-day war, their agent, the Zionist regime, was defeated; in the twenty-two-day war, their agent, the Zionist regime, could not do anything against a million and some defenseless people. These are very important realities. Therefore, they have weakened. They are much weaker than they were twenty years ago and thirty years ago. This is another reality.

Another reality is that the regimes opposing the Islamic Republic system are in crisis; these few Western governments, they themselves and their affiliates are in crisis. With this economic crisis that exists in Europe, the European Union is seriously threatened, the euro is seriously threatened. America is also in another way; a large budget deficit, a large debt, public pressure, the anti-Wall Street movement, the so-called ninety-nine percent movement. These are important events. Of course, Europe's situation is worse than America's; several of their governments have fallen. Now there is instability in several European countries.

Their problems are also different from ours. The economic problems and the economic crisis in Europe are different from the economic problems we sometimes face. Our problems are like the problems of a group of mountaineers who are moving on a path. The path is difficult and of course, there are problems; sometimes they need water, sometimes they need food, sometimes they have problems, sometimes they encounter an obstacle; but they are moving upwards. Our problems are of this kind. The problems of the Europeans are like a bus caught under an avalanche. For years, without knowing it, they themselves prepared the ground for this problem. These class disparities, the dominance of usury mechanisms in material matters, the strengthening of material tyrants, the susceptibility to money-loving and wealth-loving Zionists, have caused them problems; this is an avalanche that has fallen on them. Therefore, their problems are very different from ours. This is also a reality.

Another reality is the transformations in North Africa and the transformations in the entire region. In some places, these transformations have led to changes in systems and regimes; some have not, but they are in danger. I will pass over these.

Another reality is the increased capability within the Islamic Republic. We are a powerful country. We are a wealthy and capable country. In terms of resources, we are among the top ranks globally. In some resources, we are first. In the combination of oil and gas, we are first in the world. Among all the countries that have oil or have gas, our total oil and gas is more. In terms of basic resources and minerals, the country has high and abundant wealth. In terms of human resources, we have seventy-five million people; this population is a very important factor.

I will say this right here; the young, energetic, educated, and literate population of the country is today one of the important factors in the country's progress. In these statistics that are given, you see the role of educated, aware, energetic, and powerful young people. We must reconsider the population control policy. The population control policy was correct at a certain period; certain goals were set for it. As the specialists and knowledgeable and scientific experts of this field have researched and studied and reported, we reached the goals of population control in 1992. From 1992 onwards, we should have changed the policy; we made a mistake, we did not change it. Today we must correct this mistake. The country must not allow the dominance of the young generation and the beautiful appearance of youth in the country to disappear; and it will disappear if we continue in this way; as the experts have scientifically and accurately studied. These are not rhetorical; these are scientific and precise, expert-reviewed matters. If we continue in this way, in a few years our young generation will decrease - today our population base is young - and gradually we will face aging; after a few years, the country's population will also decrease; because aging of the population is accompanied by a decrease in birth rates. They specified a time and showed it to me, that at that time, we will have a smaller population than we have today. These are dangerous things; these must be seriously looked at and pursued by the country's officials. In this population control policy, there must definitely be a reconsideration and a correct action must be taken. This issue of population increase and these are among the important discussions that really all the country's officials - not just administrative officials - the clergy, those who have promotional platforms, must create a culture in society about it; they must take the country out of the current state - one child, two children. The figure of one hundred and fifty million and two hundred million was first mentioned by Imam - and it is correct - we must reach those figures.

Every period that we showed flexibility in front of the enemy's front and retreated with justifications - for example, at one time we said let's take the excuse away from the enemy, at another time we said let's remove the enemy's suspicion from ourselves - the enemy took more aggressive positions against us. On the day when our officials' language was tainted with flattering words towards the West and Western culture, on that day they introduced us as the 'axis of evil'! Who? The one who was the embodiment of evil himself. The previous president of the United States - the embodiment of evil - introduced Islamic Iran as the 'axis of evil'! When was this? When we were repeating flattering words towards the West and towards America and these things in our language and statements. This is how they are. In this nuclear issue, when we cooperated with them and retreated - of course, it was an experience for us, but this is the reality - they advanced; they advanced so much that I said in this very Hussainiya that if this trend continues from their side, I will personally enter the issue; and I entered the issue; we were forced; these are not our tasks.

Retreats made them bolder, more demanding. There was a time when our officials were satisfied to allow us to have 25 centrifuges in the country; they said it was not possible! They were satisfied to have 5 centrifuges; again they said it was not possible! Our officials were satisfied to have 3 centrifuges; again they said it was not possible! Today you heard the report, we have eleven thousand centrifuges! If we had continued those retreats, those flexibilities, today there would be no news of nuclear progress, and this scientific enthusiasm that has existed in the country in recent years - this scientific movement, these young people, these innovations, inventions, various advances in different sectors - would certainly have been harmed; because firstly, they could have brought an excuse for each of them; secondly, the nuclear movement and nuclear industry is a symbol of a country's progress. This is also another reality.

Another reality is that if the country resists the enemy's pressures - including these sanctions and such things - in a wise manner, not only will this weapon become blunt, but in the future, the possibility of repeating such things will no longer exist; because this is a passage, this is a period; the country will pass through this period. These things that they are now threatening, sanctioning, except for America and the Zionist regime, no one benefits from these sanctions. Others were brought into the field with force and pressure and with embarrassment and such things. Well, it is clear that force and pressure and embarrassment cannot continue for long - it is a period - the evidence is that they were forced to exempt twenty countries from these oil sanctions and such things! Others who were not exempted, they themselves are not willing, and more than we want or as much as we want, they are looking for a solution. Therefore, resistance must be made. Well, these are tangible realities. What I have said, none of it was an analysis, it was not mental; these are things we observe.

Of course, alongside these realities, there is also the reality that we have not yet created the necessary Islamic state in the field of work and such things in ourselves; we are somewhat lazy; this is part of the legacy of the era of despotism and dictatorship over the country. When there is dictatorship in a country, people become lazy; talents do not enter the field of experience and action. This is the legacy of the era of despotism that exists in us. We must put laziness aside. The necessary risk-taking is not present in all sectors of society. With reliance on God Almighty, and with the necessary prudence and wisdom, there must be risk-taking; this must be present in everyone.

Well, what we said about the situation of Badr and Khaybar, means this. The situation of Badr and Khaybar means there is a threat, there is a challenge, but there is no dead end. In Badr, the resources were few, but victory was achieved. The resources of the opposing side were many times; perhaps in some sectors, incomparable with the resources of the Islamic front. In Khaybar, there was difficulty; they went and stayed there for a long time; the enemy's resistance was intense; but they prevailed. There is a challenge; but in the face of the challenge, there is also power and capability and capacity. This is the meaning of the situation of Badr and Khaybar. If we bring this capacity to the field, if we reduce the weaknesses, we will progress.

What I say in the continuation of my remarks - as time is running out and there is no opportunity - is that dear brothers and sisters! Esteemed officials! We must look at the country's issues with this view; ideals should be before our eyes; encouraging realities should be before our eyes. In the case of negative realities - which in fact in some cases is reality-making, reality-representation - we should not make mistakes. Of course, we should not underestimate the enemy's capabilities, we should not be negligent and simplistic. The issue is a fundamental and important one. You should approach this issue like a mathematician who wants to solve an important mathematical problem, and apply your efforts to solve the problem. You are a talented mathematician; this is also a mathematical problem. This is how you should approach various issues. Fortunately, one observes that this spirit also exists in various sectors. The issue of the economy should be looked at with this view.

A few years ago, we proposed 'resistance economy.' All those who were observing various issues could guess that the enemy's goal is economic pressure on the country. It was clear and the designs showed that they want to focus on the country's economy. Our country's economy is an important point for them. The enemy's goal was to focus on the economy, to harm national growth, to harm employment, naturally, national welfare would be disrupted and endangered, people would face problems, become disillusioned, separate from the Islamic system; the goal of the enemy's economic pressure is this, and this was perceptible; one could observe this.

I said in 2007 in the holy shrine of Ali ibn Musa al-Ridha (peace be upon him) in the first year's speech that they are pursuing the issue of the economy; then one can assume that these annual slogans were links to create a complete system in the field of economic issues; that is, consumption pattern reform, the issue of preventing waste, the issue of double effort and double work, the issue of economic jihad, and this year national production and support for Iranian labor and capital. We did not propose these as transient slogans; these are things that can organize the country's general movement in the field of the economy; they can move us forward. We must follow this path.

The issue of the economy is important; resistance economy is important. Of course, resistance economy has requirements. Making the economy popular is one of the requirements of resistance economy. These Article 44 policies that were announced can create a transformation; and this work must be done. Of course, some work has been done and more efforts must be made. The private sector must be empowered; they should be encouraged to economic activity, and the country's banking system, government agencies, and agencies that can help - such as the legislative and judicial branches - should help people enter the economic field. Reducing dependence on oil is another requirement of resistance economy. This dependence is our century-old ominous legacy. If we can use the opportunity that exists today and strive to replace oil with other income-generating economic activities, we will have made the greatest important move in the field of the economy. Today, knowledge-based industries are among the things that can fill this gap to a large extent. There are various capacities in the country that can fill this gap. We should focus our efforts on this; we should move towards reducing our dependence as much as possible.

The issue of consumption management is one of the pillars of resistance economy; that is, balanced consumption and avoiding waste and extravagance. Both government agencies, non-governmental agencies, and all people and families must pay attention to this issue; which is truly jihad. Today, avoiding waste and observing balance in consumption is undoubtedly a jihadist movement against the enemy; one can claim that it has the reward of jihad in the way of God.

Another aspect of this issue of balance in consumption and consumption management is that we use domestic production; all government agencies should pay attention to this - governmental agencies, related to the three branches - they should try not to consume any non-Iranian production; they should focus on this. All people should also prefer consuming domestic production over consuming goods with famous foreign brands - which some pursue only for the name and show, for showing off, in various fields they pursue foreign brands - they should prefer domestic production. People themselves should block the way of consuming foreign goods.

In our opinion, the 'resistance economy' plans will work. This very issue of gasoline rationing that was mentioned, worked. If gasoline had not been rationed, today our gasoline consumption would have exceeded one hundred million liters per day. They were able to control this; which, well, today it is at a very good level. It should even be such that there is no need for anything outside, which, thanks be to God, there is not. They had the plan to sanction gasoline; resistance economy neutralized the gasoline sanction. And the rest of the things that the country needs.

Targeting subsidies is also in the direction of shaping the national economy; which can create both prosperity - in production, in employment - and also lead to welfare; these are the sources of the country's production growth, the country's economic growth, the source of a country's power. With production growth, a country gains real power and international prestige in the world. This work must be completed.

And maximum use of time and resources and facilities. Maximum use must be made of time. Projects that used to take many years, today fortunately with less time one sees that such and such a factory was put into operation within two years, within eighteen months. This should be strengthened in the country.

Movement based on a program is one of the fundamental tasks. Ad hoc decisions and changes in regulations are among the blows that are inflicted on 'resistance economy' and harm the resistance of the nation. This should be noted by both the esteemed government and the esteemed parliament; they should not allow the country's economic policies to be subject to unnecessary fluctuations and changes at any time.

One issue is also the issue of unity and solidarity. Fortunately, in our country, the nation is united; this is a very important achievement; this must be preserved; we must not let it be lost. These differences that sometimes arise between officials - which are also drawn to the media level; unnecessarily, without benefit - harm national unity. Some become supporters of this, some become supporters of that; opposing, accusing each other; some accuse the executive branch, some accuse the legislative branch, some accuse the judiciary, blaming each other; this is among the very harmful actions and our esteemed friends, the dear officials of the country should know that this does not create any reputation or prestige among the people that we keep blaming this and that for the problems. No, there are problems; they must be solved and we can solve them; we are not incapable of solving our problems. As I said, these are the realities of the country that are showing us.

We hope, God willing, that God Almighty will bestow His blessings upon our dear nation and our officials by the blessing of this month and these hours. O Lord! By Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, grant the Iranian nation, the people, and the country's officials complete benefit from the blessings of this month. O Lord! By Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, grant victory to the Iranian nation and the Islamic Republic system in all arenas over its enemies. O Lord! By Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, defeat and subdue the ill-wishers of the Islamic Republic and the sacred Islamic system and the dear Iranian nation. O Lord! Purify and cleanse our hearts from unhealthy motives and unhealthy feelings. O Lord! Include us in the prayers of the Master of the Age (may our souls be sacrificed for him); make us worthy of his prayers. O Lord! Accept what we said, what we did, what we heard, for Your sake and in Your path, and accept it with Your grace.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings