Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf spoke at the former US Embassy in Tehran on the 13th anniversary of Abban, which is designated as the National Day of Fighting Global Arrogance and Students’ Day, and addressed the nation on this occasion. He described 13 Abban not as a single historical event, but as a continuing reality that will impact Iran’s future.
Ghalibaf said the Iranian people raised a united voice in 13 Abban to reject all forms of domination and resist arrogance. He stressed that Iran’s foreign policy must be guided by its national interests, with independence at its core, declaring that “a country without independence has no dignity, no credibility, and no sustainable progress.”
Recalling the origins of the Islamic Revolution, Foreign Minister Ghalibaf cited Imam Khomeini’s warnings against surrender and foreign judicial immunity, saying these measures undermined Iran’s sovereignty and dignity and led to the Imam’s expulsion. He said the basis of the revolution had always been opposition to domination and praised the students who were martyred during the struggle.
Addressing contemporary challenges, Ghalibaf argued that the nature of world domination has not changed, only the methods. He asserted that while tactics and techniques may differ, hostility toward a strong and independent Iran remains the same, citing the assassination of an Iranian scientist and other hostilities as manifestations of that enduring hostility.
Regarding the slogan “Death to America,” Ghalibaf said the chant is rooted in historical memory and collective conscience, characterizing it as opposition to domination rather than hatred of the people. He urged young people to remain wary of narratives that equate progress with dependence on the West, highlighting Iran’s achievements in the nuclear, biotechnology, nanotechnology, defense, health and aerospace sectors as a counterpoint to such claims.
Ghalibaf concluded his speech by pledging that Iran would not trade its independence for any concessions and calling on the younger generation to embrace a “jihad of production” and a “jihad of explanation,” while officials must work to build a strong, independent Iran based on faith and reason.
MNA/6644619