WANA (Nov 25) – On Monday, thousands of Basij members from across Iran met with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader and Commander-in-Chief, as part of events marking Basij Week.

 

During the gathering, Ayatollah Khamenei sharply criticized Israeli actions in Gaza and Lebanon, declaring, “What the Zionist regime has done is not a victory; it is a war crime. Netanyahu and the criminal leaders of this regime must face the death penalty. An arrest warrant is not enough.”

 

Basij: A Symbol of Resistance

Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized the pivotal role of the Basij in countering global arrogance. “One of the first steps taken by global powers to dominate nations is to deny their capabilities. The Basij is the opposite of this humiliation,” he said, adding that the Basij represents a force of self-confidence and resilience that transcends borders, inspiring movements like the Resistance.

Basij members meeting with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader on November 25, 2024. Khamenei.ir/ WANA News Agency

Reflecting on Iran’s history, he noted, “During the Qajar and Pahlavi eras, Iran was humiliated. The Basij mindset eradicates such disgrace. This mindset is a weapon that shatters the oppressive strategies of global powers, giving our nation and others a spirit of resistance.”

 

Praising the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Khamenei said, “One of Imam Khomeini’s defining traits was his ability to turn threats into opportunities. Amid the threats posed by the U.S. during the embassy takeover, he established the Basij transforming vulnerability into strength.”

 

Resistance Against U.S. and Israeli Policies

Regarding nuclear enrichment, Ayatollah Khamenei credited Basij scientists with overcoming U.S. sabotage: “When we needed 20% enriched uranium for medical purposes, Americans offered to supply it in exchange for 3% enrichment. In the middle of negotiations, it became clear they were deceiving us. At that time, our Basij scientists successfully produced the 20% enrichment we needed.”

Basij members meeting with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader on November 25, 2024. Khamenei.ir/ WANA News Agency

He further stressed that the Basij and allied resistance movements would prevail against American and Israeli policies. “The Basij spirit guarantees victory. This same spirit ensures that the Zionist regime will one day be eradicated,” he declared.

 

Condemning Israel’s military actions, Ayatollah Khamenei reiterated, “What the Zionist regime has done in Gaza and Lebanon is a war crime, not a victory. Netanyahu and other war criminals must be held accountable with the death penalty.”

 

Addressing Israel’s ongoing conflicts with resistance forces, he remarked, “These fools are strengthening and expanding the Resistance front with their own hands.”