Supreme Leader’s Meeting with Outstanding Youth

Supreme Leader’s Meeting with Outstanding Youth

The event coincided with the 10th Elite Youth Conference, which took place in Tehran on October 18 and 19.

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, the Benevolent and Merciful. Peace and greetings be upon our Master Muhammad and his exemplary household. Dear young people occasionally write certain things, such as the pieces of paper that they show or the tiniest things that they write on the palm of their hands. I sincerely appreciate them, but I am unable to see them. Right now, I really can't read them. It would be greatly appreciated if you could provide me with the items you have mentioned so that I can examine them more closely. However, I am unable to comprehend what you have written from a distance.

These are crucial times. These are the days of Muharram. Muharram is more than just the ten days that end on Ashura. During the days of Muharram, a significant event in history took place that will never be forgotten. The fact that similar events to Ashura will continue to occur in history is not the reason why it does not come to an end. Obviously, this is correct on its own—this is a different topic altogether—but the Ashura festival itself is like a sun that never sets. A major event occasionally occurs. It takes place one day and ends the following day. This kind of thing is not like Ashura.

This happens like the sun never sets. It has existed up until this point, and it will also continue to exist in the future. The struggle between light and darkness, between truth and evil, between honor, degradation, and despicability is depicted in this living, real image and reflection. Of course, it reached its highest point on Ashura day, but Muharram's early days before Ashura provided the necessary conditions. On days like this, the Ashura event was completed under the direction of Zaynab al-Kubra and Imam Sajjad (may their greetings be with them).

As a result, these days are extremely significant. I truly consider this to be an opportunity and a blessing as I have found the opportunity to meet with you, my dear youngster, these days. This presents an exceptional opportunity for me, and I take this as a positive sign.

I am delighted to meet you, my beloved outstanding youth. In the country, we constantly hear and say the same things about the issues discussed in this meeting throughout the year. In the various reports that I receive throughout the year, I hear and read comments that are comparable to those that the dear youth discussed in this meeting, and if I am able to do so, I do so. And the statements I'm going to make are ones I've made in a number of meetings throughout the year, whether with academics or other people in other meetings. However, for me, the essence of this gathering and meeting is a very beautiful and enjoyable experience. We are speaking to our outstanding youth, which I will describe briefly. They have gathered here, and we are speaking to them.

First and foremost, outstanding youth and personalities are valuable divine gifts for both a people and a nation. Gifts of this magnitude, scope, and magnitude are not common in all nations. Our nation's abundance of human talent, both in terms of quality and quantity, is one of its characteristics. This is one of our nation's distinguishing features. This is a very valuable and precious gift from God.

As a result, the nation's officials ought to recognize the significance of these trusts and ought to safeguard them. This is due to the fact that these gifts represent a trust placed in the hands of officials, including officials from the Elite Foundation, Dr. Sattari, the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution, the Ministry of Science, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, and other government organizations that are in contact with the workforce and the nation's youth. They have put their trust in these presents. If you want to keep your priceless trust, you need to take very good care of it. Additionally, you ought to feel a strong sense of responsibility for fostering that trust's expansion and replication.

Humans, on the other hand, are beings with free will. Humans have been given permission by God to do this or that on their own. Responsibility is what free will requires. We are not responsible for anything if we do not have the authority to make decisions regarding a task. We naturally have responsibility when we have free will. With free will, Allah the Exalted has given you exceptional personalities. You can decide whether or not to make use of the blessing and gift that God has bestowed upon you, which is exceptional talent. It can be used in either the correct or incorrect direction. Both options exist. As a result, you are also accountable.

As a result, trust holders are not the only ones who have a responsibility. You are the primary and initial trust holder. You, too, must fulfill a duty. Thanking Allah the Exalted for bestowing upon you the gift of talent is the first and most important duty. What does it mean to "thank"? This indicates two things: first, you ought to be aware that this is a blessing; second, you ought to be aware that it comes from God and that you ought to take care of it. Putting that blessing to good use is that responsibility. Thanking God is built on these pillars. This is gratitude to God. Rather than relying solely on words, we discussed a combination of these elements when we express gratitude to God.

Here's what I'll tell you: Why do we place such a high value on youth, knowledge, exceptional personalities, and exceptional talents? Why do we get excited when we meet them? You should know that we really do make time for them, and you should also know why we devote so much time to diligence and similar activities. We do these things for a reason.

We do this due to our tumultuous past in this regard. They gave us the gene of inability, the gene of "we cannot," and the gene of dependence on others for a long time. During a lengthy period of time, from Qajar to Pahlavi, our talented people developed an internal sense of powerlessness and inadequacy. Additionally, they institutionalized that sentiment within Iranian society and us. This is our history.

As a direct consequence of this, the west came to define our nation's identity. There are numerous historical, social, and analytical considerations to be made in this regard; however, this is neither the time nor the place for such discussions, nor have we gathered here for this purpose. Because of their ability to rise from adversity and the science they developed earlier than others, Europeans and Westerners developed this perspective on other nations. Our nation was one of the nations toward which they adopted this outlook. In a way that put them in the category of the west, they humiliated nations with fascinating histories and rich cultures.

In my public speeches, I have used the phrase "the Middle East" once or twice [Supreme Leader's speech to university professors on August 12, 2012]. With such splendor, this West Asian region and Asia have been divided into three parts. West Asia is home to the greatest and most ancient human civilizations, as well as to many other ancient human races. There are now three easts: The Far East is one. However, it's far away from Europe! Another is the Center East - the "center" signifies not far and not close. Neither far away nor close to where exactly? European origin. The Near East is the third location. Where are we? In Europe!

One interpretation of this culture and literature is that the entire history of humanity falls under the category of the west. All of these civilizations, races, and cultures, as well as all of the sciences created in West Asia, India, China, Iran, Mesopotamia, and ancient Babylon, among other places: all in different ways, and each of those ancient civilizations has become a region whose name is based on how far away it is from Europe. Additionally, up until this day, they have continued to refer to our region as "the Middle East." We live in "the Middle East."

The term "the Far East" refers to a different region. How far is it? This is due to its location far from Europe. Take note of the manner in which Westerners have defined Asia. Western nations are like someone who rises from poverty to wealth and then becomes arrogant. They gained wealth, but it was scientific wealth rather than financial wealth. After all, everyone acquires knowledge. They got science because of some event. After that, they added to it and improved it constantly. They were able to make progress in this manner. They looked down on the entire human race as soon as they got better, including the nations from which they had received that science. One of those nations was our nation. Unfortunately, politicians and rulers in our country contributed to this humiliating circumstance. We were defined by Qajar and Pahlavi, the father and son, respectively. This was a huge, significant, and extremely risky undertaking.

All of a nation's resources actually belong to the other power when it is classified as one. This is true regardless of how the country feels about it. He arrives and makes use of its oil, supplies, resources, and strategic location. Global powers fought against one another in world wars, and it had nothing to do with us. However, because Russia and England had specific resources and bases in different parts of our country, they turned Iran into a tool for moving weapons from one location to another. They did this on their own and without asking anyone for permission.

The Trans-Iranian Railway—it was called "Trans-Iranian" even though it didn't cover the whole country—was built to help Westerners accomplish their goals. It was connected to the Persian Gulf from one side and to the Soviet Union in the north from the other side. There are numerous reasons why England and the Soviet Union should have been linked in order for them to have access to the country's resources and market. A nation sat idly in anticipation of their arrival to steal its copper, iron, various resources, oil, and gas at a low cost. Additionally, they sent whatever they produced to our nation because those goods ought to have been sold and produced a profit for those nations. Additionally, they transformed our nation into a lucrative market for their goods without the need for tariffs, customs, or any other barrier. In Iran prior to the revolution, this took place.

A shift occurred as a result of the Revolution. A significant shift occurred as a result of the Islamic Revolution. This is how I would put it: God provided assistance as self-belief and confidence fought against dependence during the Revolution. War is a sour experience. We went through a lot of trouble during the eight-year war, which was extremely bitter and damaging. In the middle of the arena, I was present. It was extremely tragic, extremely challenging, and bitter. It used to make us very tired and teary-eyed, but despite all of those challenges, it had one major advantage: it demonstrated to Iranian youth that they are powerful, that "they can," and that they have the ability to defeat their rivals and opponents if they so choose.

And we actually prevailed over them. The youth of Iran entered the battlefield. This event would not have taken place in the manner it did if not for the war. A fire that starts somewhere is like war. When there is a fire, everyone goes to put it out, putting aside other responsibilities. At that point, everyone's focus shifted to the war. Talents began to emerge, and the Iranian youth's power was demonstrated. Self-belief was sparked as a result of youth's participation in the war and our victory over the enemy, which was not a single nation but rather an adversary supported by all major powers. Therefore, the Revolution resulted in the rise of self-belief as a form of resistance to the previous spirit of dependence and bankruptcy. This is what took place.

There is one aspect to this that cannot be overlooked. Short-term outcomes are irrelevant in deep wars, which are now referred to as soft wars and include cultural wars, in contrast to military conflicts. These wars are long. In a military conflict, one side prevails in the end. The opposition is defeated, and the problem will be resolved. We were successful in driving out the transgressive Saddami force after eight years of resistance, and the issue was resolved. This, however, is not the case in a cultural war, a deep war, or a soft war. You win in one phase, but this does not mean you win forever. You should anticipate the other side to prepare, gather itself, and launch another attack. And this took place.

The nation was plagued by the same condition of dependence in various forms. This is due to agents from the adversaries. Well, it's impossible to deny this. Our people are wonderful. They are decent people, but just like in other countries, there are some weak-willed, materialistic, and gullible people in our nation. These individuals began reproducing the same culture of dependence, albeit with a sophisticated, colored, and shaped discourse filled with diverse terms like "becoming global" and "entering the global family."

In today's world, Westerners and Americans advise us in meetings as follows: Iran ought to "become international," "be a part of the global family," and "join the global family." They are referring to dependence. You shouldn't misunderstand their purpose because this is the same as dependence. Relationships with other people are fine with me. Once, I was president. Since then, one of my most important responsibilities in the field of foreign policy has been dealing with the issue of establishing relations, either bilaterally with all countries (including Europe and others, with two exceptions) or through collective gatherings and meetings. However, these are two distinct issues. In their eyes, "becoming global" has a different meaning.

From their point of view, going global means giving in to the culture that a few big powers have imposed on the world's economy, politics, and security. It entails submitting to this policy and conforming to its mold. From their point of view, this is the meaning of going global. This is what they mean when they say that we should join the global family and become global citizens. There is no difference at all between this and dependence!

A great goal is what makes it necessary for all officials to adopt a perspective on great people as a responsibility and an unavoidable wajib. There is only one important objective in this. In light of this objective, we ought to have a serious, practical, sympathetic, and persistent perspective on outstanding individuals. What is the objective? This objective is to transform Iran into an advanced, powerful, and honorable nation with novel ideas regarding human and international issues—as opposed to depraved and mean, as is the case with some powers. Iran ought to develop into a nation with novel perspectives on human issues and human life. It ought to convey novel concepts.

This is due to the poor state of humanity. Which contemporary thinker is content with the state of humanity? In this regard, the east and west are identical to one another. You ought to examine the assertions that intellectuals from all over the world make. They're all harping on about how bereaved people are right now and whining about it. Well, certain thoughts and ideas are required. In this dead end, there ought to be a way out. These novel concepts should come from Islamic Iran.

Additionally, our nation should be revered. Making the nation a nation that values itself and feels respected is another task. You may at times be beloved and valuable, but you do not feel valued. The idea that we ought to have a sense of esteem is one of the issues that I have been seriously following over the past few years. We ought to feel the respect that Allah the Almighty has bestowed upon us. We ought to feel valued. One of the components that makes up genuine esteem is the sense of self-esteem.

Additionally, our nation ought to be infused with faith and spirituality. We stated that it should be sophisticated, powerful, and similar qualities, but spirituality and faith should also be present. The absence of faith in places where power is present is the major problem in today's powerful world. Examine the state of the presidential elections in the United States. Two people have been chosen as the candidates. Examine their discussions. Pay attention to what they are saying and doing. These two people will each become president. In which location? in a large, wealthy, and densely populated nation that represents the pinnacle of human science. This nation's president will be chosen by one of these two people. It has the greatest wealth and the greatest number of atomic weapons. Additionally, it holds the world's largest media in its fist. You can see which of these two people will take over as president of this nation. A lack of spirituality is to blame for this. A lack of faith is to blame for this.

The flag of the emerging Islamic civilization ought to be flown by our nation. We long for such a nation. The goal is this. Pay attention to my reference to nine criteria. We intend to transform the nation into one with these characteristics. Naturally, our nation has not performed badly on this path. We have accomplished a few things, but these are only half-measures. We ought to move forward and attain heights. Additionally, this cannot be accomplished without a vibrant, young generation. A generation ought to achieve this objective. The necessity of this objective cannot be questioned. As humans, as responsible individuals, as Muslims, and as Iranians, no one can doubt that we owe it to the country to get to this point. Even if someone doesn't believe in Islam, they are still Iranians, and being an Iranian entails certain responsibilities.

How can this be accomplished? Educating a generation with traits like these is the way to accomplish this: A brave, educated, pious, innovative, pioneering, self-assured, and zealous generation ought to emerge. Of course, a lot of these qualities are already present in today's young people, but they should get better. We therefore require this generation. As the Commander of the Faithful (a.s.), this generation should have faith, education, zeal, courage, and self-belief. It should also have sufficient motivation and physical and intellectual power to move forward. It should keep its goal in sight. It should pay attention to long-term goals. It said, "Lend to Allah your head" (Nahjul Balaghah, Sermon 11), so it should work seriously and dedicate its life to achieving this goal. In a nutshell, it ought to be a revolutionary entity. Being revolutionary means being this way.

Out of animosity, some people use a negative definition of "revolutionary." Revolutionary means illiterate, careless, and disorderly, according to them. However, this is not true. This is the complete opposite. Revolutionary refers to someone who is well-educated, orderly, pious, dynamic, shrewd, and intelligent. We require this generation. Our younger generation is this one. This generation constitutes the movement's primary capital, and outstanding youth serve as its engine. This describes outstanding personalities. You are the driving force behind this movement. This young generation will move in the same direction that I mentioned if you work well. Because of these factors, I place a great deal of importance on outstanding youth and recognize their value. Talented individuals are valuable.
This movement has already begun. I have brought up the issue of the scientific revolution, the software movement, and the great scientific movement since 15 years ago or earlier because I understand this issue, which is to say that the nation requires such a system and movement. This movement was supported by scientists, young people, university professors, and many departments in the various administrations that have been in office, so it was carried out. Nevertheless, this movement is not comparable to that of an asphalt road. It is not the same as driving on a freeway. There are some challenges facing this movement. It is necessary to identify and eliminate these obstacles.

There is a foe in this movement. Who are the foes? Some individuals will now say, "It is clear. It is immediately apparent that he is referring to America, Zionists, and similar groups when he uses the term "the enemy." He believes in a conspiracy. However, this is not an illusion of a conspiracy; rather, it is seeing a conspiracy and fully understanding it. I can't keep it from you when I see or hear about a conspiracy. Therefore, I should talk to you about it. Some people say, "How many times he speaks about the enemy!" whenever I talk about the enemy. Well, shouldn't we not discuss the adversary? God has mentioned Satan numerous times in the Holy Quran. From that point of view, if He ever mentions Satan's name once, it should be over. But why does He repeatedly use his name? The reason for this is that we never forget our adversary. Our enemy should always be within our range of sight. This is because he never rests. He is always getting better.

They will put an end to this scientific movement if they can. On the off chance that they see that they can't stop it, they will redirect it. Because of our ignorance, we might aid in this distraction. Some of our dear young people in the meeting also pointed this out: that research works, articles, theses, and the like should be produced with this goal, with this intention, and with this orientation is to prevent the scientific movement from being diverted. This is the reason why I have repeated many times—for example, in the speech that the Supreme Leader gave on November 11, 2015, in a meeting with heads of universities, research centers, and science and technology parks.

They will attempt to harm and tarnish its reputation if they are unable to stop or divert it. Someone is a guest scientist in our country. After that, he or she goes to the street where a university is and takes pictures of signboards that are related to the sale of these products. He or she then publishes the pictures all over the world. The scientific movement is being tarnished and tainted in this way. Who sends these people to Iran? Are they researchers? Why don't we comprehend this? Why do we commit such errors?

In recent years, the country's youth and officials in charge of such tasks have been able to contribute to the country's scientific growth, which has set a new world record in well-known databases. I did not say that the country's rate of scientific progress was 13 times faster than the global average in such and such a year because I do not have access to such information. The world's most well-known databases, which you are familiar with, said and proved this. Is the fact that our country moves 13 times faster than the global average an insignificant achievement?

You shouldn't let this rate go down, according to me. The reason is that we are significantly behind. We ought to accelerate our progress to the point where we can reach the front lines. I've stated this numerous times. Now, the distinguished officials of the nation inform me that our scientific rank has not decreased. But what is expected to transpire? The goal was for it to go up quickly! The issue lies here. We must prevent damage to this scientific movement.

There are those who oppose this scientific movement. We will face a very difficult and bitter outcome if this scientific movement becomes the target of animosity and we fail to recognize it and safeguard it. Are you aware of that outcome? This has led to a generation of hopelessness among the nation's youth. It won't be easy to fix and patch things up if this sense of hopelessness arises. In recent years, the country's young, educated, and scholarly society has experienced an increase in optimism. I have been meeting with young people in this location for quite some time now. They come to speak, and when I compare their current discussions to those I listened to a few years ago, I see that they have changed significantly. Our youth have developed, progressed, become more knowledgeable and experienced, and their perspective has expanded. These items are extremely valuable. Therefore, it won't be easy to assist these young people in returning to their previous state if they become discouraged and hopeless.

Well, when some people are dissatisfied with their nation, they travel to other nations. Additionally, numerous traps have been set for them. I will inform you that we hold exhibitions and meetings to showcase our scientific accomplishments and other similar items. This is an excellent issue. But you should be careful not to let this become a place where people from other countries can learn about our talents. They will recognize you when you introduce them and remove you. It shouldn't be like this. Our own organizations ought to identify them first. They can't, of course, be hidden behind curtains. They will eventually reveal themselves, but our organizations should identify them first. They should employ them and attract them.

There is no young person who would rather experience loneliness in a foreign country than his or her own home and family. Naturally, in exchange for this feeling, they will provide them with certain benefits. However, in order to employ them for both their country and yourself, you can offer them things that are less valuable than those benefits. I promise you that as long as I breathe, I will not be idle in my efforts to defend notable individuals and the nation's scientific movement! In addition, I am aware that this movement is a fortunate movement and that it will benefit from Allah's favor. God willing, I hope we can move forward. Now, I want to bring up a few points:

Knowledge-based businesses, which Dr. Sattari and other friends mentioned during the meeting, are one of the things that can really move the country's cycle of science, technology, and support for outstanding individuals. The number of these businesses has, thankfully, increased. My first piece of advice is that their number should continue to rise. Second, as one of the young people in the meeting pointed out, such businesses ought to be established in the country's most important and important industries. These businesses ought to establish connections with the areas whose significance has been outlined in general policies. Thirdly, these businesses' quality merits consideration as well. Of course, having a lot of these businesses is good and important, but you should be aware that you need to set priorities and quality standards, and then you should respond to these knowledge-based businesses based on these criteria.

We won't have any issues distributing government funds to outstanding individuals if such businesses are established, of high quality, and successful. This is due to the fact that these businesses will assist notable individuals in such a way that they will no longer require funding from the government. The administration alternates between declaring, "I do have money to help" and "I do not have any money to help" on different days. One point is extremely significant.

Advertising products is one way that knowledge-based businesses can be promoted. I've talked a lot about imports, importing goods that are made in the country but have foreign counterparts, and other similar topics. Also, they're doing some things, but I want to stress that the products made by our knowledge-based businesses should be promoted. Avoiding using, consuming, or purchasing any product other than that of such companies is one of the main ways they are promoted. I'm implying that these businesses ought to benefit from the fact that the administration itself is the largest consumer. The administration is the most significant customer.
The development of elite nuclei within universities is another topic. I have previously suggested that one or two professors gather a group of young people in universities to form an elite nucleus. This is a very fortunate thing that can be replicated and developed. However, I have not received a report stating that such an event has ever occurred. I said this once and twice last year in various meetings, including in the Supreme Leader's speech on October 14, 2015, during a meeting with outstanding young people and heads of knowledge-based businesses. This ought to occur, but it is not the responsibility of the administration or similar entities. This is the responsibility of academic groups.

The issue of SAMPAD—the national organization for the development of exceptional talents—has me concerned as well. This should be given to the honorable Minister of Education, who is not present at the meeting. I do not receive reports that meet my expectations. SAMPAD is a very important issue. This is an extremely significant job. During the meeting, it was mentioned that this project has led to the establishment of a large number of schools; however, this is contingent on the organization's efficient operation and management. In this regard, the reports I receive are not satisfactory.

I briefly discussed this with Mr. Sattari and have another concern regarding the Elite Foundation itself. The Elite Foundation plays a crucial role. This foundation must be lively and dynamic in order to succeed. I naturally have complete faith in Dr. Sattari. I have complete faith in his sincerity as well as his intellectual and scientific abilities. Mr. Sattari, if you truly observe that the scientific deputy and the Elite Foundation do not get along, or if the Elite Foundation's responsibilities are incompatible with the scientific deputy's extensive activities, you should come up with a solution.

Within the framework of the scientific deputy, you should either separate them from one another or, at the very least, a strong manager for the Elite Foundation. Universities should not be given the Elite Foundation. We would not have created the Elite Foundation at all if universities were suitable for this role and able to fulfill it.

Another point is that I receive reports indicating that some of the major projects on crucial areas of research, like satellites, aerospace, and other related fields, are either idle or only partially completed. I am concerned by this. I would like to suggest that this be made a public request during this meeting. I sincerely request that these issues be addressed by the responsible officials. These projects are extremely significant. The same situation exists for some nuclear energy-related research projects as well. These projects shouldn't stop at all! They should never be completely closed. Some of them are said to be half-closed, and others are on the verge of closing down. The scientific deputy, in my opinion, can also contribute in this area. This matters a lot. We suffer from these scientific losses and damages.

In addition, young scientists who are working optimistically in the fields of nuclear energy, aerospace, nanotechnology, and biotechnology become hopeless when they observe that these fields are ignored and shut down. As I have previously stated, our youth's hopelessness and despair pose a serious threat. I have written that the scientific deputy should either take care of these projects or at least supervise them very carefully. Such areas ought to attract talent.

I would also like to bring up the fortunate establishment of a cultural deputy within the scientific deputy. Although this is a worthwhile task, they should work to advance this cultural activity. Fortunately, religious beliefs among the nation's youth have improved recently. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the organizations that managed mourning groups on Ashura days—some of which I was informed about and reported on—and would like to thank them. The number of mourning groups has significantly increased. They have excellent speakers and make excellent points.

I even asked some of the people who attended these events about the topics discussed in mourning groups. This is one of my responsibilities because I am an expert in these topics, and I found that they were very good. They spoke at a very high level, had insightful discussions, and many young people were in attendance. Similar ceremonies were held by us as well. Youth made up at least 90% of the participants, possibly even more. There were productive discussions here. In some places, these ten-day events—sometimes 10, 15 nights or 10, 15 days—had excellent speakers who occasionally gave very good and meaningful nohas. These are extremely useful. The level of religious thought among young people has increased. Cultural work ought to expand in the same proportion.

Organizing jihadi camps for notable individuals is one strategy that has the potential to be extremely beneficial. The phenomenon of these jihadi camps is very valuable. First and foremost, the presence of outstanding youth in such settings will familiarize you with your country's conditions, with people from various social backgrounds, with the difficult responsibilities we all share, and with our lack of effort in the years following the Revolution—we did not really work enough on some issues. These jihadi camps advance us. In such locations, blood will be present in our veins and flow.

I will sum up what I said. Only a few things will be said at the end of my statements: We want a society and a nation to emerge in the scientific environment so that they can rescue the world from its current state of ignorance and deviance. Young people, this is doable! A country will emerge that is at an advanced level on the basis of criteria that are accepted by the entire world—the criteria of science, technological progress, wealth, welfare, and human values—if you are able to make your country advanced in terms of self-confidence, innovation, diligence, and science in this world that is full of ignorance and deviation.

In addition, spirituality, honor, devotion to God, faith, and trust in God benefit this nation. In the event that this takes place, it will be the most effective and powerful means of winning over people's hearts and faith. Humanity is in your hands. When compared to this movement, the effect will be comparable to the difference between a whole number and decimals like one hundredth, one thousandth, and one millionth. If we go and sit alongside people to explain things to each and every one of them with the intention of attracting their minds to faith in God and Islam, we will have the same effect. When compared to a sea, the difference is like a drop of water. We want something like this to happen. Humanity as a whole ought to be liberated from this deviance and ignorance. You can accomplish this.

Every day, the world's satanic powers and apparatuses force people into this quagmire of ignorance and deviance, and they confront anything that stands in the way of their satanic movement. Now, American gentlemen who meet with our officials lament this modest individual's pessimism regarding them. So, should I be hopeful? Is there any reason to be hopeful about you in light of the circumstances? When sanctions were being discussed against Iran a few days ago, one of their "excellences" stated in a program that was also broadcast on our television that sanctions would not be lifted as long as the Islamic Republic of Iran supported and assisted the resistance in the region.

You will notice that this is the same thing that I always said. This was something I said to officials in both private and public meetings! I asked them, "Do you think that once you retreat on the nuclear issue, your dispute with America will be over?" Absolutely not! The issue of missiles arises even if we do that. We will be asked, "Why do you have missiles?" by them. The resistance will be brought up if they become dissatisfied with the missile issue. They'll ask, "Why do you support Hezbollah, Hamas, and Palestine?" once more. Another issue will arise if you resolve this issue and retreat once more.

The issue of human rights, for instance, will be brought up. The issue of religion's interference in the affairs of the government arises if you resolve the human rights issue as well and promise to act in accordance with their standards. Do you believe that they will remain silent? Because they are exceptional resources, they cannot tolerate the presence of a system in a nation with such expansion, population, and resources.

I'll tell you that our country's size, population, human resources, and underground resources are among the world's most prominent. I don't want to exaggerate. When it comes to establishing relations with Iran and analyzing our country, all of the things I said about the country's resources—though I only mentioned a small portion of them—have been mentioned in the declaration that the Europeans recently published and which we also had access to. According to this declaration, Iran is a particular nation with particular resources, market, individuals, talents, underground resources, and extraordinary strategic location. Other people are saying this!

They find it difficult to comprehend how a nation with such characteristics and significance can resist bullying. They cannot bear to witness the establishment of an Islamic and religious government based on faith and Islamic ideas and principles. Because of this, they act hostile, oppose, and confront us. This ought to be known by our young people and outstanding personalities. I am not suggesting that you should recite the phrases "death to such and such a person," "may such and such a person live long," or "may such and such a person die" on a regular basis. This is not what I mean. You should be familiar with the political issues affecting the region and the county, and you should be able to analyze them. I do not expect any of our youth to do so—of course, I expect them to do so in the right place.

As a result, I beseech Allah the Exalted to grant you success and protect you for the country. The Iranian people look up to you because you are their children. I pray that God will keep you safe for these people and that, God willing, He will lead you all to whatever He wants.

Greetings, and may Allah grant you mercy and blessings.