The Iranian month of Sharivar which is coming to its end reminds us every year of the bravery and heroic martyrdom of Iranian men and women who sacrificed their life in the fight against despotism and for establishment of the dynamic Islamic system of government. On this day, 37 years ago, corresponding to September 8, 1978, known in Iranian history as “Black Friday”, the British-installed and US-supported Pahlavi regime massacred over 4000 people in Tehran by firing indiscriminately on the peaceful demonstration of the downtrodden masses assembled at Jhaleh Square, which has since been renamed Maidan-e Shohada or Martyrs Square.
It was a turning point in the struggle of the Iranian people and in the next four months threw into the dustbin of history the Pahlavi regime, resulting in the triumph of the Islamic Revolution under the astute leadership of Imam Khomeini (God bless his soul).
Every year on this day, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei receives people of different walks of life to enlighten them on the plans of the Islamic Republic and to warn the nation against the plots of the enemies, especially the US and the illegal Zionist entity. Stay with us for excerpts from his speech this year.
The Leader granted audience to thousands of people from different social backgrounds, and recalling the heroism of the nation in the face of enemy plots, including the 8-year war imposed by Saddam in the 1980s and the assassination of some prominent figures of the Islamic Revolution, said: In all these incidents the US was involved; Americans directed most of these plots, or closed their eyes to these crimes against humanity by their agents. Our youths should never forget these tragic memories.
In the last days of the Shah, the US had sent a 4-star general named Robert Huyser to try to save the rapidly sinking boat of the Pahlavi regime. This general later admitted that he gathered the Shah’s generals and told them to order their troops to lower the barrels of their guns towards the protesting masses and them fire, instead of firing in the air to scare them. Ayatollah Khamenei by referring to these historical facts, said: For a quarter century – since the coup of 1953 – our country was held hostage by the US, which ruled over our country like a Pharaoh, before it was kicked out by the Islamic Revolution.
It is now obvious why the US continues its hostility towards Iran. It was Imam Khomeini (God bless his soul), who with the assistance of the masses, threw the US out of this country and severed its hands. This is the reason the regimes in the White House are our avowed enemies. They have never ceased their hostility towards us, and continue to display their enmity.
Ayatollah Khamenei said: The Father of the Islamic Revolution rightly called the US “the Great Satan”, a meaningful phrase indeed. The ringleader of all devils is Iblis or Lucifer, and according to the Holy Qur’an, the only thing that Iblis can do is to tempt human beings and nothing more. But the US, he said, which is the Great Satan, in addition to tempting and deceiving simple-minded people, launches devastating wars and commits crimes against humanity.
In view of its bloody record, it is surprising that some naïve persons make the mistake of viewing the Great Satan as an angel. What reason and what conscience allows one to choose an evil power like the US as a trusted friend and as a liberating angel? The Leader noted that the enmity of the US will continue until the people of Iran become strong enough to completely shatter its political, economic, military, cultural, and scientific plots including the illegal sanctions it has imposed upon us.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution said the three basic factors of national power are a strong and resistance economy; progress in science and technology; and strengthening the Islamic and revolutionary morale of the public, especially the youths. These three factors will surely defeat this avowed enemy. As God Almighty says in ayah 60 of Surah Anfaal of the holy Qur’an:
“Prepare against them whatever you can of [military] power and war-horses, awing thereby the enemy of Allah, and your enemy, and others besides them, whom you do not know, but Allah knows them.”
According to this ayah, Muslims should not wait for danger to engulf them in order to enhance their readiness, but should always be fully prepared by upgrading their power, so that the enemy becomes disappointed of attacking the Islamic lands.
The Leader, pointing out that even while negotiations were in progress, the US drafted a bill against Iran, stressed that for Washington negotiation is a tool for infiltrating Iran and imposing its demands on the Islamic Republic. He made it clear that the Islamic Republic of Iran will not enter into talks with the US on any issue, except for the current nuclear case – as part of its negotiations with the P5+1.
Ayatollah Khamenei underlined that the Zionist entity’s existence is illegal. He scoffed at the remarks by Zionist officials that following conclusion of nuclear negotiations, Israel will not have any concerns about Iran for the next 25 years. Ayatollah Khamenei added: I would like to say to them in response that first, you will not see the next 25 years! By Allah's grace, nothing called the “Zionist entity” will exist 25 years from now. Second, during precarious period of your existence, the Islamic, revolutionary, epic, and jihadi spirit of the resistance forces will not let you feel comfort even for one single moment! Nations have awakened. They know who the really enemy is.
Ayatollah Khamenei pointed to the forthcoming parliamentary polls in Iran and said: The issue of elections is very important for the country. Elections in Iran are complete manifestation of the people's presence and choice. With their active presence in the arena of elections the people give shape to truly popular rule in the country. This is very important. We have not allowed this process to be stopped or disrupted over the past 36 years since the victory of the Islamic Revolution. Elections in different countries are delayed when a war breaks out or some crisis erupts, but in Iran, elections have not been delayed even for one single day.
The Leader reiterated: According to international criteria, our elections are among the best and healthiest with a high turnout. Supervision of the elections is aimed at guarantying its soundness so that people’s rights in determining their own fate is protected and no rigging or unfair practice takes place. Well, because of strict supervision, such a thing will not be allowed. One of the greatest blessings of the Guardian Council is that its members are alert and vigilant, and they do not allow any wrongdoing in this regard.
In conclusion, Ayatollah Khamenei said: With these people, with this logic and with this Constitution, the Islamic Republic will achieve victory over all its enemies. The condition for this is that we put our trust in God Almighty and grasp the hand of brotherhood and unity in a firm manner. Moreover, we should avoid creating division and weakening each other. If we observe these things, Allah the Exalted will have mercy upon us. Allah the Exalted will help whoever helps Islam.
