WANA (May 17) – A group of Iranian teachers and education professionals from across the country met with the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, this morning.

 

During the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei addressed a range of educational issues but also used the occasion to deliver a strong response to recent remarks made by the President of the United States during his regional tour.

 

Referring to the U.S. President’s statements, Ayatollah Khamenei said: “The recent remarks made by the President of the United States during his visit to the region are a source of disgrace—both for the speaker himself and for the American people. The United States has used its power not for peace, but for the massacre of children and civilians in Gaza.”

 

He added: “Some of what was said on this trip isn’t even worth answering. The level of discourse is so low, it brings shame to the speaker and to the American nation.”

 

Referring specifically to the U.S. President’s claim that America seeks to use its power to bring peace, Ayatollah Khamenei said: “He lied. He and other American officials have used their power to carry out massacres in Gaza, to ignite wars wherever they could, and to support their own mercenaries. When have they ever used their power to create peace?”

 

He continued: “Yes, power can be used for peace and security. That is precisely why we—despite the enemies—will, God willing, continue to increase our power every day. But they have not done this. They used their power to hand over ten-ton bombs to the Zionist regime to drop on the heads of Gaza’s children, on hospitals, homes, and wherever else they could—in Lebanon and beyond.”

 

Ayatollah Khamenei also criticized the U.S. approach to Arab countries in the region: “The American President has proposed a model to Arab countries, which he claims would render them incapable of surviving even ten days without U.S. support. He said it himself: ‘Without America, they can’t last ten days; America keeps them going.’”

 

“And now, through their behavior, proposals, and dealings, they continue to impose that same model—so these countries remain dependent on the United States. But surely, this model has failed, and with the determination of the region’s nations, the United States must leave this region—and it will,” he added.

 

In a reference to the root of conflict and instability in the region, the Supreme Leader stated: “The true source of corruption, war, and division in this region is undoubtedly the Zionist regime—a dangerous, malignant, and deadly cancer that must—and will—be uprooted.”

 

Concluding his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized the Islamic Republic’s enduring principles: “The Islamic Republic has a clear set of values. Despite all the ups and downs surrounding us, it has remained committed to these principles and has advanced the country accordingly.”

 

“Today’s Iran is not the Iran of thirty, forty, or fifty years ago. By God’s grace, and despite the enemies, Iran has advanced—and it will continue to advance many times over, God willing. Everyone will witness this. Our youth will see it in the best possible way. And with God’s help, all will contribute to building the desirable Islamic Iran.”