WANA (Aug 14) – Ayatollah Seyed Ahmad Khatemi, Tehran’s temporary Friday Prayer leader, addressed worshippers this week at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, stating that the United States intended to eliminate Iran’s missile capabilities but failed, adding that this missile power has brought humiliation to the U.S. and will continue to do so.

 

Reviewing recent developments, Khatemi noted that over more than 160 days of resistance, the Iranian nation has experienced numerous divine blessings. He remarked that while the enemy sought to destroy the Islamic Republic, Iran has instead emerged as a major global power.

 

He stated that the U.S. aimed to push Iran back to the Stone Age, but argued that the global community now realizes the U.S. government itself lacks an understanding of civilization and democracy, exhibiting behaviors belonging to a bygone era.

 

Khatemi asserted that Washington sought to destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities, referencing events in Isfahan which he described as a “Tabas 2,” claiming American forces were compelled to retreat empty-handed. He emphasized that Iran’s nuclear capacity remains intact and is grounded in the knowledge and expertise of national scientists.

 

Addressing territorial integrity, Khatemi stated that adversaries sought to divide Iran into seven separate countries. However, he emphasized that not a single inch of Iranian territory was lost during the recent 160-day conflict, the 12-day war, or the eight-year Sacred Defense war, nor will any be lost in the future.

 

He added that the U.S. aimed to pave the way for dominance over the Iranian people and sow internal discord, but argued that public unity and empathy have grown stronger instead. Furthermore, Khatemi cited statements from senior military officials regarding the posture of U.S. forces, noting reports that American naval vessels are no longer present in the Persian Gulf.

 

Three Scenarios on War and Peace

Addressing national strategy, Khatemi outlined three potential approaches regarding war and peace:

“Only War”: Discussing the perspective advocating solely for armed conflict, Khatemi acknowledged that numerous Quranic verses emphasize jihad and defense. However, he noted that while the Prophet Muhammad participated in roughly 80 battles, he also engaged in peace agreements when appropriate, citing the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. Therefore, he argued that an exclusive focus on war is not fully aligned with Quranic teachings.

 

“Only Peace”: Addressing those advocating solely for peace, Khatemi criticized using religious texts out of context to support absolute pacifism, noting that specific verses referenced often pertain to domestic reconciliation rather than military conflict. He asserted that peace is distinct from submission, declaring: “The United States is not seeking peace; it is seeking submission.”

 

Resistance and Power: Reaffirming the nation’s stance, Khatemi stressed that strength and deterrence remain essential.

 

Remarks on U.S. Policy and Regional Resistance

Turning to U.S. leadership, Khatemi made critical remarks regarding former President Donald Trump, asserting that the American administration relies on pressure rather than diplomacy.

 

Recalling the anniversary of the August 19, 1953 coup, Khatemi stated that U.S. interference imposed decades of hardship on Iran and that hostility has persisted over the 47 years following the Islamic Revolution. He identified this history as the foundation for ongoing anti-American sentiment in the country.

 

Concluding his sermon, Khatemi highlighted the anniversary of the 2006 33-Day War between Israel and Hezbollah, officially commemorated in Iran as the “Day of Resistance.” He stated that decades of negotiations failed to resolve the Palestinian issue, whereas resistance proved effective, claiming that the 2006 conflict demonstrated the limits of Israeli military power.