TEHRAN – Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei delivered a televised address on Thursday, addressing the Iranian people on recent domestic, regional and international developments.
The first part of the leader’s speech during Basij Week focused on the Basij Volunteer Forces. He said movements like the Basij are a source of guidance and strength for any country. He added that a country like Iran, which openly and decisively stands up against bullying by the West, needs such forces more than any other country.
Khamenei stressed the need for countries to resist the greed and interference of hegemonic powers, saying, “The great elements of the resistance that was created and flourished in Iran can now be seen in slogans in support of Palestine and Gaza all over the world, including in the West and in the United States.”
Referring to developments in the region, he said, “In the 12-day war, the Iranian state was undoubtedly defeated by both the United States and the Zionist regime. They came, committed malicious acts, were beaten and left empty-handed. This was a defeat in the truest sense of the word.”
Referring to reports that the Zionist regime had been planning to start a war against Iran for 20 years, the leader said: “They have been planning and preparing for this war for 20 years. Some people say so. They started a war in Iran and incited the people. There was a plan for 20 years to join Iran and fight against the regime. But they left empty-handed, the situation turned against them, and they failed.” Opinions about the system were upheld. ”
Khamenei continued: “Of course, we also suffered losses. Due to the nature of war, we lost precious lives. But the Islamic Republic is a center of determination and power, proving that it can make decisions and stand firm without fear of external noise. Moreover, the material losses we inflicted on the invading enemy were far greater than our losses.”
He further pointed out the heavy losses suffered by the United States in the 12-day war, saying, “The second point is that the United States suffered great losses, really great losses, in this 12-day war.The United States deployed the latest and most advanced offensive and defensive weapons.” “We used submarines, fighter jets, and the most sophisticated air defense systems. But we didn’t achieve what we wanted. The United States wanted to deceive the Iranian state and force the Iranian people to comply, but the opposite was true.” As I said, the Iranian people could further unite against the United States and completely thwart its objectives. ”
Khamenei referred to the deep shame and infamy of the Zionist regime in the Gaza disaster, one of the greatest tragedies in the history of the region. “In this case, the United States sided with the usurper regime and was deeply humiliated, because the people of the world know that the Zionist regime could not have committed such atrocities without American support,” he said.
“The most despised person in the world today is the head of the Zionist government,” he said of the Zionist prime minister, and described the Zionist establishment as “the most abominable organization and criminal organization on earth.” He added that “hatred against the Zionist regime has spread to the United States, because the United States is by their side.”
The leaders emphasized that the United States’ interference in various parts of the world is another major factor contributing to the growing isolation of the United States. “No matter where the United States intervenes, the result will be warmongering, genocide, destruction, and forced displacement,” he said.
“Such a government is certainly not one the Islamic Republic would seek cooperation or a relationship with,” he added, pointing to U.S. efforts to support Zionist criminal networks, betraying even America’s own allies, and fomenting conflicts around the world for oil and underground wealth (now extending to Latin America).
He cited the disastrous and fruitless war in Ukraine as another example of U.S. interference, saying, “The current president of the United States claimed to resolve the war within three days. And yet, almost a year later, the United States is trying to force a 28-point plan on the same country it pushed into the war.”
Khamenei also cited the Zionist regime’s attack on Lebanon, its invasion of Syria, crimes in the West Bank, and the dire situation in Gaza as further examples of the United States openly supporting the wars and crimes of the corrupt Zionist organization.
The leader went on to mention a rumor about alleged messages from Iran to the United States, saying, “They are creating rumors that Iran sent messages to the United States through third countries. That is completely false, nothing like that happened.”
In another part of his remarks, Khamenei elaborated on the nature of the Basij, saying: “In its organizational form as a branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), the Basij stands firm and resolute against its enemies while demonstrating a spirit of service to its people.”
“More importantly,” he continued, “the Basij’s vast support base, whether in economics, industry, science, academia, seminary, production, business, or any other field, exists throughout the country and is embodied by courageous, motivated, hopeful, and ready-to-serve individuals and groups.”
The leader said the vitality and dynamism of the Basij strengthens the nation’s resistance to global oppressors, adding: “With the rise of resistance, oppressed peoples around the world will feel supported and empowered.”
In his conclusion regarding the Basij, the leader of the Islamic Revolution called on all officials in state institutions to “fulfill their duties with faith, motivation and honor, just like the Basij.”
In the final part of his speech, Khamenei made several recommendations to the Iranian people, the first of which was to maintain and strengthen national unity.
Khamenei stressed the need to protect and strengthen national unity, saying: “Although there are differences between different social groups and political factions, the important thing is to remain united in the face of the enemy, as we did during the Twelve Days War. This unity is a key element of national strength.”