WANA (Jul 16) – The Supreme Leader of Iran, while analyzing the actions of the Iranian people in the recent war between Iran and Israel and highlighting the failure of the aggressors’ calculations and schemes, referred to the unity of the Iranian nation—despite political differences and varying religious inclinations—in defense of Iran, and stressed: It is everyone’s duty to preserve this national unity.

 

This morning, July 16, 2025, in a meeting with the head and senior officials of the Judiciary and the heads of justice departments nationwide, Ayatollah Khamenei said:

 

“The great act of the people during the 12-day war was rooted in national resolve, determination, and self-confidence, because the very presence of the spirit and readiness to confront a power like the United States and its chained dog, the Zionist regime, is of immense value.”

 

Referring to the published memoirs of Pahlavi regime officials who did not even dare to protest against the U.S. in private meetings, he remarked, “Iran has come a long way from those days—today it not only does not fear America, but it causes America to fear. This national spirit and willpower are what dignify Iran and will lead it to achieve its great aspirations.”

 

Stressing that “both friends and enemies must know the Iranian nation will never enter any arena as the weaker side,” he added: “We possess all the necessary tools, including logic and military strength. Therefore, whether in diplomacy or on the battlefield, whenever we enter, by God’s grace, we enter from a position of strength.”

 

Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized: “Even though we consider the Zionist regime a cancer and the United States a criminal for supporting it, we did not seek war. However, whenever the enemy attacked, our response was crushing and decisive.”

Imam Khamenei’s meeting with the head and top officials of the Judiciary on July 16. Social media/ WANA News Agency

He described Iran’s strong and firm response to the Zionist regime as a clear indication of the regime’s compulsion to appeal to the U.S. for help, saying: “If the Zionist regime had not collapsed to the ground and been unable to defend itself, it would not have turned to the U.S. It realized it cannot handle the Islamic Republic.”

 

The Leader of the Revolution also described Iran’s retaliatory strike against the U.S. as a highly sensitive blow, adding: “The target struck by Iran was an extremely sensitive U.S. center in the region. And whenever news censorship is lifted, it will become clear what a heavy blow Iran inflicted. Of course, even greater blows can be dealt to the U.S. and others.”

 

Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized that the manifestation of a national movement in the recent war was highly significant and thwarted the enemy’s plot, explaining:

 

“The aggressors had calculated that by attacking certain figures and sensitive centers in Iran, the system would weaken. Then, by activating their sleeper cells of mercenaries—from the MEK and monarchists to thugs and criminals—they could provoke the people into the streets and bring down the system.”

 

He continued: “In reality, the exact opposite of what the enemy had planned occurred. It became clear that many assumptions by certain individuals in political and related fields were also incorrect.”

 

He added that the enemy’s face, plans, and hidden goals had become evident to the people, saying: “God invalidated their schemes and led the people to support the state and the system. Contrary to the enemy’s expectations, the people rose up in both physical and financial support of the system.”

Imam Khamenei’s meeting with the head and top officials of the Judiciary on July 16. Social media WANA News Agency

The Supreme Leader called the coming together of individuals with vastly different religious backgrounds and opposing political orientations a source of immense national unity, and emphasizing the necessity of preserving this great unity, stated:

 

“Everyone—from journalists, judges, and government officials to clerics and Friday prayer leaders—has the duty to protect and safeguard national unity.”

 

He clarified that political differences and varied levels of religious adherence do not contradict standing together in defense of a shared truth, namely, defending beloved Iran and the Islamic system.

 

In outlining the conditions for preserving national unity, he said: “Clarification and addressing fallacies are necessary, but raising unnecessary objections, debating trivial matters, and making noise over small issues are harmful. Even refuting falsehoods must be done in the best way so as not to create problems for the country.”

 

Ayatollah Khamenei considered loyalty to the system and support for its general policies essential and beneficial, but added: “Existing disagreements and polarization into factions must not be intensified, as this is harmful.”

 

He also described the public enthusiasm—especially among the youth—as necessary and positive, but warned: “Impatience, stomping in protest, and complaining about why certain actions weren’t taken are harmful.”

 

In his final recommendation, the Leader emphasized the continued strong and well-directed activity of the military and diplomatic institutions, stating: “Orientation is very important, especially in diplomacy, and work must be carried out with vigilance and precision.”

Imam Khamenei’s meeting with the head and top officials of the Judiciary on July 16. Social media WANA News Agency

He acknowledged that a person may raise objections regarding a military or diplomatic matter, and said: “We are not saying objections should not be voiced, but they must be presented in an acceptable tone and after investigation and understanding, because some of the remarks and criticisms reflected in the media are due to a lack of awareness.”

 

Ayatollah Khamenei stressed: Officials must continue their duties with full strength and spirit, and everyone should know that, in line with the Quranic verse, ‘God will certainly aid those who aid Him.”

 

“God has guaranteed His support for the Iranian nation under the Islamic system and under the banner of the Quran and Islam. This nation will surely be victorious.”

 

At the beginning of the meeting, Judiciary Chief Hojjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Mohseni Eje’i credited the enemy’s failure to achieve its goals to the awareness of the people and the leadership of the Supreme Leader. He said: Another golden page was added to the book of national pride, and the whole world witnessed the untrustworthiness of those on the opposing side.

 

The Judiciary Chief also listed the Judiciary’s key accomplishments last year and added that “regarding legal action against the criminal Zionist regime, effective work is underway in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Secretariat of the Supreme National Security Council in international criminal court proceedings.”