At the beginning of his speech, the leader of the Islamic Revolution experienced significant developments in the past 1403 Iranian years.
The leaders also said the late President Ebrahim Resi and his fellow Martians in the tragic helicopter crash and resisters such as the former Secretary General of Lebanon Hezbollah Hassan Nasrara and Hamas Politobro chief Ismail Hania were also losses to Iranians.
Ayatollah Khamenei appointed the New Year of 1404 as the year of investment for production. Investing in production is key to solving economic challenges, the leader pointed out.
Below is the full text of the leader’s speech republished from his official website.
In the name of God, compassionate and merciful
o Heart and the transformer of the view,
o Director of night and day,
oStatus and situation transformers;
Turn our situation into the best!
The beginning of the new year (this year) coincides with the night of the Kadru and the anniversary of the martial teaching of the Commander of the followers (Imam Ali) (pbuh). We expect these evening blessings and the attention of the honorable master (Imam Ali) (pbuh) to embrace our loved ones, our country, our country, and all those who begin with the New Year with Knowles.
The AHS of 1403 (March 20, 2024 – March 20, 2025) was a year filled with numerous events. The events that unfolded over the past year are similar to those of 1981, and our loved ones have had difficulties and hardships. Earlier this year, we lamented the martial teaching of the late Ebrahim Raisi (RA), the beloved president of the Iranian nation. This was preceded by some of our advisors in Damascus. Thereafter, various events took place in Tehran and then in Lebanon, losing valuable figures for both the Iranian state and the Islamic Umma. These were certainly harsh tragedy. Furthermore, economic issues, especially during the second half, put pressure on people throughout the year, creating challenges for the population. These difficulties have been around throughout the past year.
Meanwhile, an incredibly extraordinary phenomenon occurred. It was the fact that the will of the Iranian people and their spiritual resilience, unity and high levels of preparation emerged. First, in the face of events like the loss of the president, the massive votes of people (the procession at his funeral), the slogans they chanted, and the high morale they showed, this was a serious tragedy, but it showed that Iranian people could not be weakened. Moreover, they were able to quickly vote within legally designated time frames, elect a new president, form a government, and close the gaps in the country’s administration.
These issues are extremely important and show the high morale, capabilities and spiritual strength of the Iranian nation. We must thank God for this. Furthermore, during recent events in the past few months, when many of Lebanese brothers (brothers of religion and brothers of Lebanese) faced difficulties, the Iranian state opened up to give support. This event that took place in this respect, the overwhelming flood of aid from the people to the Lebanese and Palestinian brothers, stands as one of the lasting and unforgettable events in the history of our country.
The money that Iranian women and women have contributed generically to this cause and the support given by our people and men is a very important issue. They reflect the strength of the nation’s will and its unwavering resolve. This spirit, this involvement, this preparation, and this spiritual strength are assets for the future of the country and for the lasting life of our beloved Iran. These assets, God willingly be used to the fullest by the nation, and the Almighty God may continue to give his blessings to the nation.
Last year we introduced the slogan, “Surge in production due to people’s participation.” This was essential to the country and in some ways important. (However) various events unfolded in the year of the AHS in 1403 prevented this slogan from becoming fully realized. Of course, great efforts have been made by both the government and the public, as well as by the private sector, investors and entrepreneurs. They managed to accomplish good things. However, the work carried out did not meet expectations. So, our main problem remains the economy this year. Therefore, my expectations from our respected government, our respected officials, and our dear people are once again centered on economic issues. This year’s slogan will once again refocus on economic issues, particularly investment in the economy.
One of the key issues in the country’s economy is investment in production. Production surges when investment is made. Of course, investment should be primarily made by people. The government must find different ways to do this. But if people lack motivation or investment tools, the government can intervene – as an alternative, not as a competition with people. If people are not involved, the government can go on the ground and invest. In any case, investment in production is also essential to solving people’s problems in the country’s economy and livelihoods. Improvement in people’s livelihoods requires planning and cannot happen without these types of preliminary measures.
It is essential that both the government and the people seriously pursue and track investments for production with solid determination and motivation. The role of government is to create the necessary environment and remove obstacles to production. The role of people is to invest both small and large investments for the purpose of production. If capital is directed towards production, it will no longer be circumvented by harmful activities such as the purchase of gold, the purchase of foreign currency, or other such efforts. Harmful activities will cease. Central banks can play a role in this regard, and governments can also implement many effective measures. With this in mind, this year’s slogan is “Investment for Production,” which will help improve people’s livelihoods. Working with people’s participation, the government’s plans come together, and God willingly solve the problem.
I would like to briefly refer to recent events that took place over the past few days. The new attacks by the Zionist regime in Gaza are truly a huge and heinous crime. Islamic Ummah must oppose this. They should put the differences aside on various issues. This issue concerns the entire Islamic Umma. In addition to this, I urge all freedom seekers around the world to strongly oppose this dangerous and horrifying act in the United States itself, in the West and European countries, and in other countries. Once again, children are killed, houses are destroyed, and civilians are evacuated. People must stop this tragedy.
Of course, the United States is also conspiring in this tragedy. Political experts around the world agree that this action is being carried out under US direction, or at least in a green light from the US. Therefore, the United States is also conspiring to this crime. The same can be said about events in Yemen. Attacks on Yemeni people and Yemeni civilians are undoubtedly also crimes that must be stopped.
I hope that Almighty God has deemed the good, prosperity and victory of Islamic Umma this New Year. I hope that the Iranian nation can start this new year. This has only just begun with happiness, satisfaction, complete unity and success. We hope that the sacred heart of the Imam of the time (Imam Mahdi) (so that our souls are sacrificed for him), the pure spirit of the generous Imam (Khomeini) (ra), and the blessed spirit of the martyrs are satisfied and contented with us.
May God’s greetings, mercy and blessings be given to you.
Sayyid Ali Khamenei
March 20, 2025