WANA (Jun 04) – Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei, Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, said in a message marking the 37th anniversary of the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, that the United States and Israel oppose the emergence and continuation of a strong and independent Iran and are using every means available to hinder the country’s progress. He also warned that any action that leads to public disappointment and disillusionment ultimately serves Iran’s adversaries.

 

The message was read at the annual commemoration ceremony for Khomeini in Tehran. The event coincided with Eid al-Ghadir, one of the most significant occasions in Shia Islam, which commemorates the designation of Imam Ali as the successor to the Prophet Muhammad. This year’s ceremony also marked the first anniversary of the leadership period that began following the martyrdom of Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei.

 

In his message, Iran’s leader reviewed the political and intellectual legacy of Ayatollah Khomeini and Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, emphasizing the continuation of a path that, he said, is based on political independence, reliance on the people, resistance to foreign pressure, and support for oppressed nations.

 

He described the Iranian people as the country’s greatest asset and the primary source of national strength, arguing that many of Iran’s most significant developments in modern history were made possible through broad public participation.

 

Ayatollah Khamenei also highlighted the role of the younger generation in shaping the country’s future, saying that trust in the people and the expansion of public awareness have been key factors in the endurance and progress of the Islamic Republic.

 

A significant portion of the message focused on regional and international affairs. Ayatollah Khamenei stated that the United States and Israel are fundamentally opposed to Iran’s independent identity and refusal to submit to external pressure. He argued that Iran’s opponents cannot tolerate a powerful nation with substantial political, economic, and strategic capabilities and continue to work to limit its influence and development.

 

Referring to recent confrontations and tensions, he claimed that Iran’s adversaries, after failing in direct confrontation, have shifted their focus to what he described as “hybrid warfare” — a strategy that relies on psychological, media, and social pressure aimed at weakening domestic cohesion.

 

According to the Iranian leader, the primary goals of this campaign are to reduce public resilience and create miscalculations among decision-makers. He said its main tools include spreading doubt, despair, fear, mistrust, and division within society.

 

Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that countering such efforts requires national unity, stronger mutual trust between the public and state institutions, and avoiding actions that deepen internal divisions. In this context, he underscored the responsibility of government officials, warning that “any action that causes public pessimism and disillusionment amounts to assisting the enemies of this country and its people.”

 

He also emphasized the importance of preserving public trust and strengthening social cohesion, saying officials should act in ways that increase hope and confidence among citizens while preventing adversaries from exploiting social grievances.

 

In another part of the message, the Iranian leader described support for oppressed peoples as a humanitarian, moral, and political responsibility and said it remains an integral part of Iran’s foreign policy approach. He also referred to the “Axis of Resistance” — a network of Iran-aligned groups and movements across the region — and said the Iranian people have continued to support this front.

 

Concluding his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei described the ideas and legacy of Ayatollah Khomeini and Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei as a framework for Iran’s future, built on independence, self-reliance, public participation, scientific and economic advancement, and resistance to external pressure.

 

He called on young people, intellectuals, academics, and cultural figures to play a greater role in presenting these ideas to the world and to contribute to Iran’s development through national unity and active public engagement.