The “Second Phase of the Revolution” Statement addressed to the Iranian nation

In the Name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful 

All praise is due to God, Lord of the Worlds; and peace and greetings be upon our Master and Prophet, Abul Qasim al-Mustafa Muhammad; upon his pure, immaculate Progeny; upon his chosen companions; and upon those who follow them in charity until the Day of Judgment

Among all the nations suffering from oppression, few make a serious effort to launch a revolution. And among those nations that have risen up and launched a revolution, few have been seen to pursue it to the end, to move beyond just changing the government, and to safeguard their revolutionary values. However, the auspicious Revolution of the Iranian nation, which is the greatest, most popular revolution of contemporary times, is the only revolution that has remained for 40 years with honor and without betraying its values. Furthermore, it has preserved its dignity and original slogans against all the seemingly irresistible temptations. Thus, it has entered the second phase of self-development, community building, and civilization building. Heartfelt salutations to this nation, the generation who started and continued [the movement], and the generation that is now stepping into the great, global phenomenon of the second 40 years!

The day when the world was divided into the material West and East, and no one guessed a major religious movement would emerge, the Islamic Revolution of Iran stepped onto the scene with glory and strength. It broke the frameworks, it showed the world that the clichés are outdated, it spoke of benefiting from both religion and the material world, and it declared the start of a new era. It wasn’t a surprise that the leaders of deviation and oppression reacted, but their reaction was in vain. Whatever the modern right and modern left did - from pretending to ignore this emerging, unprecedented voice to extensive efforts to suffocate it - only brought them closer to their inevitable demise. Today, after 40 annual celebrations of the victory of the Revolution and 40 Ten-Day Dawn celebrations, one of the two centers of hostility has already come to ruin, and the second one is struggling with difficulties that signal its death in the near future. But the Islamic Revolution is moving forward while preserving and adhering to its mottos.

It's possible to assume an expiry date for everything, but the global mottos of this religious Revolution are exceptional. They will never become useless or without any benefit, because they are coordinated with human nature in all periods. Freedom, ethics, spirituality, justice, independence, dignity, rationality, and brotherhood aren’t limited to a single generation or society so that they would shine in one period but decline in the next. It’s impossible to imagine a people who have lost hope in these values. Whenever people have lost hope in these values, it was due to the officials who had turned away from these religious values, not due to the officials’ adherence to them and their endeavors to realize them. 

The Islamic Revolution - like a living, determined phenomenon - is always flexible and ready to correct its mistakes. However, it isn’t prone to endless revision or passivity. It’s sensitive to criticism in a positive way. It regards criticism as a divine blessing as well as a warning to those who don’t act upon their words. But by no means does it become distanced from its values, which are merged with the religious faith of the people, praise God. Since the establishment of the system, the Islamic Revolution has never suffered from and will never suffer from stagnation and recession, and it does not see any conflict or contradiction between revolutionary dynamism and political, social order. Rather, it will defend the theory of the revolutionary system to the end.

The Islamic Republic isn’t reactionary and doesn’t lack perception and understanding when facing new phenomena and situations; however, it strongly adheres to its principles and is highly sensitive to its frontiers with respect to its rivals and enemies. It’s never neglectful about its principal lines and is concerned with why it should endure and how it will endure. Undoubtedly, the gap between the things that must be done and the realities [that exist] has always tormented the consciences of the idealists. However, this gap can be filled, and over the past 40 years it has been filled in many cases. Certainly in the future, it will be filled more vigorously with the presence of a young, faithful, wise, motivated generation.

The Islamic Revolution of the Iranian nation has been powerful, but merciful, forgiving, and even oppressed. It hasn’t committed any of the extremist, deviated acts that have disgraced many other uprisings and movements. In no conflicts - not even when facing the United States or Saddam Hussein - did it ever shoot the first bullet. In all cases, it defended itself after the enemy attacked. Of course, the blow it struck in defense was a strong blow. Since its inception, this Revolution has never been cruel or bloodthirsty, nor has it been passive or hesitant. Standing firmly and courageously against aggressors and thugs, it has defended the innocent and oppressed. This revolutionary bravery and decency; this honesty, assertiveness, and authority; and this activity on the global and regional level in support of the oppressed of the world, are a source of pride for Iran and Iranians. May this always continue!

Now, at the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the Islamic Republic, I would like to address the dear young people - the generation that is stepping up to start another part of the great jihad [selfless endeavor] for building a great Islamic Iran. The first section of my address concerns the past.

Dear ones! You cannot learn new things but from your own experience or by listening to the experiences of others. Much of what we have seen and experienced, your generation hasn’t experienced or seen yet. We have seen, and you will see. The decades that are ahead are your decades. It’s you who should protect your Revolution with your experience and strong motivation, moving it closer to its great ideal, which is the emergence of a new Islamic civilization and preparing for the rising of the great sun of Wilayat (Imam Mahdi (may our souls be sacrificed for him)). To be able to take firm steps in the future, we need to develop a good knowledge of the past and learn from experience. If this strategy is neglected, lies will replace the truth, and the future will be endangered by unknown threats. The enemies of the Revolution are strongly motivated in their efforts to spread distortions and lies about the past and even the present, using money and various kinds of tools for this. The bandits of thought, faith, and awareness are many. One cannot hear the truth from the enemy and its troops.

The Islamic Revolution and the establishment that rose from it started from the ground up. First, everything was against us, including the corrupt taghut [Pahlavi] regime, which in addition to its dependence and corruption, tyranny, and having started from a coup, was the first royal regime in Iran that was brought to power by foreigners rather than by the force of the sword. In addition, the government of the United States and some other Western governments; the extremely chaotic situation inside Iran; and the country’s shameful backwardness in science and technology, politics, spirituality, and all other virtues worked against us.

Second, there was no past experience before us and the path ahead of us hadn’t been traveled previously. Obviously, Marxist uprisings and the like couldn’t be used as a role model for a revolution that had emerged based on Islamic faith and knowledge. Islamic revolutionaries began without an example and without experience. The combination of a republic and Islam and the means for the formation and advancement of it were not achieved except through divine guidance along with the luminous heart and great thought of Imam Khomeini. This was the first brilliance of the Revolution.

So the Revolution of the Iranian nation transformed the bipolar world of that day into a three polar world. Then with the fall and disappearance of the Soviet Union and its allies and the emergence of new poles of power, the new dichotomy between “Islam and the Arrogant Front” became a prominent phenomenon of the contemporary world and a focal point that attracted the world’s attention. On the one hand, the hopeful looks of oppressed nations, freedom-seeking movements, and some independence-seeking states of the world were fixed on it. On the other hand, the resentful, malicious eyes of the world’s oppressive regimes and blackmailing thugs were also fixed on it. Thus, the path of the world changed, and the earthquake created by the Revolution shook and awakened the sleeping pharaohs. Hostilities began with all intensity. If it weren’t for the magnificent power of the faith and motivation of this nation and the heavenly endorsed leadership of our magnanimous Imam, it would have been impossible to resist all the hostility, conspiracy, and vice [directed at us].

In spite of all these overwhelming problems, the Islamic Republic took greater and stronger steps day after day. The past 40 years have seen great jihads, brilliant achievements, and amazing advances for Islamic Iran. The magnitude of the progress made by the Iranian nation over the last 40 years can be seen when compared to similar spans following other major revolutions such as the French Revolution, the October Revolution of the Soviet Union, and the Indian Revolution. The management driven by selfless, intensive effort that was inspired by Islamic faith and belief in the principle of "We can do it," which Imam Khomeini (ra) had taught us, helped Iran in its achievement of dignity and progress in various areas.

The Revolution put an end to a long, historical decadence, and the country, which was totally humiliated and severely lagging behind during the Pahlavi and Qajar dynasties, started to progress rapidly. In its first step, the Revolution turned the disgraceful regime of the tyrannical monarchy into a popular, democratic state, and it employed the element of national determination, which is a necessary element for comprehensive, genuine progress, in the heart of the country's governance. Then, it brought the youth to be the main forerunners for development and the key players in the management of the country. It conveyed the "We can do it" spirit and belief to everyone. And thanks to the enemies’ sanctions, it taught everyone to rely on domestic capabilities, and this was the source of great blessings.

First: It guaranteed the stability and security of the country; guaranteed the territorial integrity and protection of borders, which were targeted by the enemy's serious threats; and gave rise to a miraculous victory in the 8-Year War [Sacred Defense], which led to the defeat of the Ba'athist regime, and its US, European, and Eastern supporters.

Second: It acted as the country's engine for development in the field of science and technology, and for creating the vital, economic, basic infrastructures that continue to become more beneficial day by day. It has produced: several thousand knowledge-based companies; several thousand infrastructure projects and other vital projects for the country in the areas of civil engineering and transportation, industry, power, mining, health care, agriculture and water; millions of university graduates and students; thousands of colleges and universities throughout the country; dozens of large projects, such as work on the nuclear fuel cycle, stem cell research, nanotechnology, biotechnology, etc., all with a top ranking in the world; and the development of 60 times more non-oil exports and nearly 10 times more industrial units. Quality in the industrial sector advanced over ten times what it had been before. Industries that had only been doing assembling were transformed into being based on domestic technology. In various engineering disciplines, including the defense industries, outstanding achievements were seen. Advancements were made in critical fields of medicine, bringing the country to a position of authority in the field of medicine. And there are dozens of other examples of progress that are the outcome of that morale, the involvement of the people, and the collective feeling that the Revolution brought to the country. Before the Revolution, Iran had zero output in science and technology. It was incapable in industry except for doing assembling, and it was incapable in science except for translating [the works of others].

Third: The Revolution has brought to a peak the people’s participation in political matters such as elections, confronting internal seditions, and becoming involved in national arenas and scenes involving the fight against the Front of Arrogance. Regarding matters in society, it’s boosted, for instance, humanitarian aid and involvement in charities that had begun before the Revolution. After the Revolution, people eagerly help in providing services to those affected by natural disasters or suffering from lacks in society.

Fourth: It astonishingly improved the political acumen of the people and their understanding of international issues. The Revolution changed political analysis and the understanding of international issues - such as the crimes of the West, particularly those of the US; the Palestinian cause and the historical oppression of the Palestinian nation; the issue of the warmongering, vices, and intervention of aggressive powers in other nations’ affairs, and the like - from being limited to a small, isolated intellectual elite who were often referred to as the enlightened. In this way, this type of intellectualism became widespread and common among the general population throughout the country in all aspects of life, and similar matters have become understandable and clear even for teenagers and children.

Fifth: It distributed the country's public facilities in a manner that was closer to justice. If I - this humble person - am not satisfied with the administration of justice in the country, it is due to the fact that this lofty value should shine like a unique gem over the Islamic Republic, but it isn’t like that yet. However, my dissatisfaction shouldn’t be taken to mean that no work has been done to establish justice. The reality is that the achievements made in combating injustice over the past four decades are incomparable to any other era in the past. During the regime of the taghut [Pahlavis], most of the services and revenue of the country were available only to a small group of the residents in the capital city and similar people in other parts of the country. The people in most cities, especially in remote areas and villages, were at the bottom of the list of priorities and lived in areas lacking basic infrastructure and services.

The Islamic Republic has been one of the world's most successful governments in terms of relocating its services and wealth from the center to all parts of the country, and from affluent areas of cities to poor neighborhoods. The huge statistics regarding building roads and housing construction; the establishment of industrial centers; the reformation of agricultural matters; distribution of electricity and water; and building medical centers, universities, dams, power plants, and the like even in the most remote areas of the country, truly make us proud. Certainly, all these efforts have neither been reflected in the inefficient propagation efforts of the officials of the Islamic Republic, nor have the foreign and domestic malevolent enemies confessed to this. Nonetheless, this is the case, and these efforts are a commendable accomplishment of the devoted, sincere administrators, valued by both God and the people. Nevertheless, the idea of justice that is expected by the Islamic Republic, which seeks to follow the role model of the government founded by Imam Ali (pbuh), is much more than this. I look forward to seeing you, the young people, achieving that.

Sixth: It significantly enhanced the level of spirituality and ethics in the general public in society. This auspicious phenomenon was particularly promoted due to Imam Khomeini’s behavior and manner during the period of the struggles that led to the victory of the Revolution and after that. That spiritual, mystic, virtuous man who was unaffected by material enticements rose to head a country where people’s faith was deep and firmly rooted. Although the propaganda promoting corruption and immorality during the time of the Pahlavis had stricken hard blows to the nation and had dragged Western moral corruption into the lives of middle-class people - particularly the youth - the religious, ethical approach of the Islamic Republic attracted luminescent, ready hearts, especially those of the youth, and the atmosphere changed in favor of religion and morality.

The efforts of the youth in the face of hardships, including during the Sacred Defense [First Imposed War], were accompanied by prayers and a spirit of brotherhood and sacrifice, which was reminiscent of the events that unfolded during the early history of Islam. This was exhibited live and vividly before everyone’s eyes. Fathers, mothers, and wives bid farewell to their loved ones who set off for various fronts of the jihad, and who were motivated by a sense of religious duty. When they later witnessed the blood-soaked or wounded bodies of those loved ones, they accepted that tragedy while being grateful to God.

Mosques and religious places became unprecedentedly busy. Several thousand young people, university students and professors, and women and men were on waiting lists to participate in i’tikaf [religious seclusion in a mosque]. Several thousands of young volunteers were eager to join jihadi [volunteer] camps, Jihad Construction, and the Basij Construction Organization. Prayers and the Hajj pilgrimage, fasting and walking to make a pilgrimage, various religious ceremonies, and obligatory and voluntary donations flourished everywhere, especially among young people. To this day, this has become better in quality and larger in quantity. This has all taken place at a time when the increasing moral decline of the West and its followers, coupled with their massive propaganda to drive men and women toward corruption, has isolated morality and spirituality in major parts of the world. This is another miracle of the Revolution and the active, forward-looking Islamic system.

Seventh: The magnificent, glorious symbol of rising up against the aggressors, thugs and Arrogant Powers of the world, which are led by the criminal, warmongering US, has grown more prominent day after day. During all these 40 years, Iran and Iranians, particularly the youth of this land, have become known as people who never surrender and are always safeguarding the Revolution, its divine magnificence, and its honor against the Arrogant Powers. The hegemonic powers of the world, which have lived by disturbing the independence of other countries and plundering their vital interests in order to carry out their evil intentions, have confessed to their weakness in the face of Islamic, Revolutionary Iran. In the life-giving atmosphere of the Revolution, the Iranian nation was able to first expel the puppets of the United States and the agents who betrayed the nation, and since then, the Iranian nation has vigorously prevented any domination over the country by the world’s coercive powers.

Dear young people! These are only a small number of the major headlines during the 40-year history of the Islamic Revolution - the splendid, enduring, shining Revolution. And now you, by God’s Grace, must take the second large step for its advancement.

The fruits of the efforts made over the past 40 years are before our eyes. This is an independent country and nation that is free, powerful, dignified, faithful, advanced in science, full of valuable experiences, confident and hopeful. It has the necessary impact on the region and on global issues based on a strong logic. It has made records in the rate of growth of scientific advancements and in reaching high ranks in important sciences and technology such as in the nuclear science, stem cells, nanoscience, aerospace, and so forth. It is leading in expanding social services. It excels in increasing the motivation of the young people for selfless hard work. It is a leader in having an efficient, young population and many other honor-winning features that are all the products of the Revolution and the result of adopting a revolutionary, jihadi direction. You should know that if ignorance of the Revolution’s mottos and negligence with regard to the Revolutionary movement had not existed in some periods during the 40-year history of the Revolution, which unfortunately did exist and were extremely detrimental, the Revolution’s accomplishments would have been much more than what we are witnessing today. In addition, the country would have been far more ahead on the path toward realizing great ideals, and many of the current problems would not have existed today.

Today, just like the first days after the Revolution, a powerful Iran faces challenges due to the Arrogant Powers. However, there’s a meaningful difference. While the challenges posed by the United States those days necessitated ending the intrusion by foreign agents, closing the embassy of the Zionist regime in Tehran, and exposing the spy den [the former US embassy in Tehran], today’s challenges necessitate Iran’s strong presence near the borders of the Zionist regime, putting an end to the US’s unlawful infiltration into West Asia, the Islamic Republic’s support for the Palestinian people’s resistance in the heart of the Occupied Territories, and defending the high flying flag of Hezbollah and the resistance throughout this region. While the West’s concern at that time was to prevent Iran from buying basic weaponry, their concern today is preventing the transfer of advanced Iranian weapons to the Resistance forces. While those days, the United States thought the Islamic government and the Iranian nation could be vanquished with the help of a few Iranian sellouts and a small number of aircrafts and helicopters, today they feel they need a coalition of tens of hostile or weakened states to counter Iran on political and security fronts. Nonetheless, they still fail in confrontations. Thanks to the Revolution, Iran has an elevated position today, one that the Iranian nation deserves to enjoy in front of the world. Iran has already passed through challenging passageways on the path to solving its fundamental issues.

However, the trail traveled so far is merely a portion of the glorious path toward realizing the exalted ideals of the Islamic Republic. The continuation of this path, which is most probably not as demanding as the past, must be traveled with the willpower, vigilance, swiftness, and innovation that you, the youth, possess. Young managers, young executives, young thinkers, young activists in every field - ranging from politics, economy, culture, and international relations to religion, ethics, morality, and justice - should shoulder responsibilities, make use of the experiences and lessons learned in the past, and apply the revolutionary viewpoint and spirit of jihadi action in order to build our dear Iran so as to become a comprehensive model of an advanced Islamic government.

An important point that needs to be considered by those who build the future is that we are living in a country that is unique in terms of natural and human resources. However, many of these resources have been left untapped or we’ve only slightly benefited from them due to the officials’ negligence. Earnest endeavor accompanied by revolutionary, youthful motivation will be able to make people more active, causing a genuine leap forward in the country’s material and moral progress.

The most important, promising potential in the country is the talented, competent human resource that enjoys a deep, honorable foundation of faith and religion. The young population under 40 - an important part of which is the result of a boom in the birth rate in the 80’s - is a valuable asset for the country. Enjoying a population of 36 million people between the ages of 15 and 40; nearly 14 million people with degrees in higher education; ranking second in the world for the number of science and engineering graduates; numerous young people brought up with a revolutionary spirit and ready to work for the sake of God and due to their love of their country; and large numbers of intellectual, exploring young people who are working on creating scientific, cultural, industrial, and other types of products, altogether constitute an enormous wealth in the country that cannot be compared to any material reserves.

In addition to the aforementioned assets, there is a long list of material opportunities for the country that can be made use of and exploited by efficient, motivated, intelligent managers in order to significantly increase domestic production and make the country self-sufficient, wealthy, and truly self-reliant, hence overcoming the current problems. Iran makes up 1% of the world’s population. But it possesses 7% of the world’s natural resources. Massive underground resources; Iran’s special geographical position between the East and the West, the North and the South; a major national market; a vast regional market including 15 neighbors that have a population of 600 million; long coastal borders; fertile lands with a great variety of agricultural products; and a vast, versatile economy are only some of the potential in the country. Much of the country’s potential has been left untapped. It’s said that Iran holds the first place in the world in terms of unexploited natural and human resources. Without a doubt, you who are the faithful, active youth can amend this great shortcoming. The second decade of our outlook must be dedicated to making use of the previous accomplishments and unexploited potential, and the country’s growth must be improved in different sectors including in production and the national economy.

Now, I would like to offer you, my dear sons and daughters, some advice regarding a few essential topics. These topics include: science and research, spirituality and ethics, the economy, justice and the fight against corruption, independence and freedom, national dignity and foreign relations, borderlines with the enemy, and lifestyle.

However, prior to anything else, my first recommendation concerns being hopeful and having an optimistic outlook about the future. Without this fundamental key to solving any impasse, not even one step can be taken forward. What I am referring to is true hope based on the realities that can be seen. I’ve always avoided false, deceptive hopefulness, but I have also warned myself and others against unfounded pessimism and false fear. During these past 40 years, and today more than ever, the enemy’s propaganda policy and its most active programs have revolved around making people and even our officials and statesmen lose their hope in the future. False news, biased analyses, changing facts, concealing hopeful aspects, and amplifying small problems while berating or denying great advantages have constantly been on the agenda of thousands of audio-visual and internet-based media outlets by the enemies of Iran. Of course, their followers inside the country can be seen using freedoms to work in the service of the enemy. You, the youth, must be the forerunners in breaking the siege of such propaganda. Help the sapling of hope for the future to grown in yourself and those around you. Drive fear and disappointment away from yourself and others. This is your first, most fundamental jihad to work on. Signs of hope - some of which have been mentioned - are before your eyes. The growth of the number of the Revolution’s admirers has been far greater than that of outgoing fans, and loyal and helping hands and hearts are far more numerous than corrupt people, traitors, and the greedy. The world has a high regard and respect for the Iranian youth and Iranian’s perseverance and ingenuity in many fields. Value yourself, and with the strength given you by God, ascend toward the future and create epics.

My recommendations:

1) Science and research: Science is the most obvious instrument needed for the dignity and power of a country. The other face of knowledge is ability. The West brought approximately 200 years of wealth, influence, and power for itself using their advances in science. Despite their weak moral and ideological foundations, they were able to dominate societies left behind from the train of science, politics, and economy by imposing the Western lifestyle on them. We’re not calling for the abuse of science like what the West did; however, we insist on the country’s need to make the fountains of science flow among ourselves. Thank God, our nation’s talent in learning science and doing research is higher than the world’s average. The scientific surge in the country that started almost two decades ago has been continuing with a speed surprising to global observers, i.e. 11 times faster than the average rate of scientific growth in the world.

Our achievements in science and technology that have placed us 16th among more than 200 countries in the world have surprised world observers. And in some sensitive, new fields, our achievements have promoted us to the top ranks. This has happened even though the country was under financial and scientific sanctions. In spite of having to swim against the tide created by the enemy, we have made great records, and this is a wonderful blessing, for which one should thank God both day and night.

However, the point I am making is that this path that has been traveled so far has just been the beginning and nothing more than that, despite its importance. We are still far below the peaks in science in the world. We need to reach the peaks. We need to go beyond the current frontiers of science in the most important fields. We’re still far behind this stage. We started from the bottom. The shameful scientific backwardness during the Pahlavi kings and the Qajar - when the world had just started its scientific race - dealt us a heavy blow, keeping us miles behind this fast-moving train.

We’ve started moving now, and we’re going forward at full speed. But this rapid forward movement needs to preserve its momentum for years to come so that it can compensate for how far behind it was. I’ve always warmly but firmly and earnestly advised, warned, and called the universities, the academics, the research centers, and the researchers’ attention to this matter. However, I’m now asking all of you, the youth, to follow on this track with a stronger sense of responsibility, knowing this to be a kind of jihad. The foundation stone for a scientific revolution in the country has been laid, and this revolution has given martyrs, including the martyred nuclear scientists. Rise up to defeat the malicious, spiteful enemy who strongly fears your scientific jihad.

2) Spirituality and ethics: Spirituality means emphasizing spiritual values, such as sincerity, sacrifice, reliance on God, and faith in yourself and the society. Ethics involves having virtues such as benevolence, forgiveness, assisting the needy, truthfulness, courage, humbleness, self-confidence, and other good characteristics. Spirituality and ethics guide all movements, individuals, and activities in society, and they are the main need of a society. Their existence makes life a paradise even in spite of material shortages. But their lack, even if one is materially rich, creates a hell.

A growth in spiritual understanding and moral conscience in society brings more blessings. This indeed requires jihad and effort, and this jihad and effort won’t have much success without the help of governments. Spirituality and ethics will certainly not be acquired through decrees and orders. Hence, governments cannot create this using coercive force. However, the most important thing is that the people in the government themselves need to have a moral, spiritual behavior. Second, they need to prepare the ground for the spread of these virtues in society and assist and provide a circle of influence to the social organizations in this regard. They need to fight in a rational manner against centers that are opposed to spirituality and morality, and they must prevent evil people from pulling others down with them by force or deception.

Advanced, pervasive means of communication have created centers that work against spirituality and morality by way of these very dangerous centers, and now we are witnessing the enemies’ ever-increasing assault on the pure hearts of the youth, teenagers, and even children using these means. Liable government entities have a great responsibility in this regard that must be carried out wisely and responsibly. Of course, this does not mean that people and non-governmental organizations have no responsibility. God willing, comprehensive short-term and medium-term plans will be made and implemented regarding this matter in the near future.

3) The economy: The economy is a key defining point. A strong economy is a strong point and an important factor in preventing domination and infiltration, while a weak economy is the Achilles heel that prepares the ground for infiltration, domination, and the intrusion of enemies. Poverty and affluence affect human beings both materially and spiritually. Of course, the economy isn’t the goal of the Islamic society. Rather, it’s a means without which one is unable to reach their goals. Insistence on reinforcing the country’s independent economy, which is based on mass, quality production; justice-based distribution; reasonable, waste-free consumption; and wise managerial relations - which I have repeatedly insisted upon time and again in recent years – is due to the incredible impact the economy can have on the society’s current and future life.

The Islamic Revolution prepared the way for us to save ourselves from the weak, dependent, corrupt economy of the Pahlavi era. However, our weak performance has created internal and external challenges to the country’s economy. The external challenges include the enemy’s sanctions and temptations that will be made less effective or even ineffective if internal challenges are resolved. The internal challenges consist of structural defects and managerial weaknesses.

The main flaws include the economy’s reliance on oil; government interference in sectors of the economy that aren’t part of the sphere of the government’s responsibilities; relying on imports rather than domestic strength and internal potential; very limited use of the country’s human resources and capabilities; defective, unbalanced budgeting; and finally a lack of consistency in executive economic policies, inattention to priorities, and excessive or even wasteful expenses in parts of state organizations. The result is problems in people’s livelihoods, including the high rate of unemployment among the youth, the low income of the lower classes, and other such problems. The solution to these problems lies in a strong, responsible, energetic implementation of the policies delineated by an Economy of Resistance that needs to be outlined, followed, and acted upon by administrations. Key elements of these solutions include making the country’s economy self-reliant, becoming more productive, creating a knowledge-based economy, making the economy people-centered, limiting government intervention, and pursuing external engagement by using the aforementioned potential. A young, wise, faithful, knowledgeable committee of economy experts inside the government can undoubtedly accomplish these aims. The time before us must be used for action by this committee.

The dear youth throughout the nation should know that all solutions may be found within the country. Thinking that “economic problems are only due to sanctions, and sanctions are due to the resistance against the Arrogant Powers and not submitting to the enemy, and the only solution is to kneel before the enemy and kiss the wolf’s paw [enemy’s hand]” is an unforgivable mistake. This completely false analysis - although it's sometimes heard from the mouths and pens of some ignorant people inside the country too - has its roots in foreign think tanks and conspiracies that are endeavoring to induce such thoughts in policy makers, decision makers, and the general public inside the country.

4) Justice and the fight against corruption: These two are mutually dependent on each other. Economic, moral, and political corruption are like tumors in the bodies of countries and governments. If they’re found in the body of a system of governance, they result in a devastating shaking of that system and are a heavy blow to their legitimacy. For an establishment like the Islamic Republic, which has a need for more than the usual legitimacy and social acceptance, this is far more serious and fundamental than for any other system. The temptations of wealth, power, and rank have caused some to go astray, even in governments that were the most similar to Imam Ali’s government, i.e. Amir al-Mu’mineen’s own government. Thus, the hazard of the emergence of such a threat in the Islamic Republic, whose officials were once competing with each other for Revolutionary piety and maintaining a simple lifestyle, has never been improbable and still isn’t. This makes the constant presence of an efficient organization with sharp eyes that takes decisive action in the three branches of powers (executive, legislative, and judiciary) necessary in order to truly fight corruption, especially in governmental bodies.
Of course, the proportion of corrupt people among the officials of the Islamic Republic is much smaller than that of many other countries, particularly much less than the time of the Pahlavi regime, which was totally corrupt and encouraged corruption. Praise God, the officials working in this system have mostly kept themselves clean from corruption. However, even the slightest corruption is unacceptable. Everyone must know that economic transparency is a precondition for the legitimacy of all the officials of the Islamic Republic. Everyone must be careful about the evil of greed, avoid illegitimate earnings, and ask God to help them in this regard.

Regulatory and governmental organizations must prevent corruption from even starting and fight its spread with firmness and vigilance. This fight requires faithful people who are ready for jihad, who are honorable, and who have clean [financial] records and bright hearts. This fight is an effective part of an all-around effort that the Islamic Republic must make to establish justice.

Justice was one of the first goals pursued by all prophets, and in the Islamic Republic, it has such a status and value. This is a sacred word for all times and in all lands, but it won’t be completely established until the time of the government of Imam Mahdi (may our souls be sacrificed for him). However, it’s always possible to be established to a certain extent at all times and in all places, and this is a duty that must be carried out by everyone, especially the rulers and the powerful. The Islamic Republic has taken major steps on this path, examples of which have been briefly mentioned previously. Of course, this work needs to be explained and described more fully. And the conspiracies of the enemies of the Revolution aimed at twisting the truth, covering it, and concealing it must be nullified.

Regardless, I’m clearly telling the dear young people that the future of the country is waiting for them and that what has been done until now and needs to be done is very far from what should have been done. In the Islamic Republic, the officials’ hearts must constantly beat for eliminating deprivation, and they must be greatly fearful of class struggles. In the Islamic Republic, not only is seeking wealth not a crime, it’s actually encouraged. However, discrimination in the distribution of public resources, giving special privileges to some, and tolerating economic fraudsters, all of which result in injustice, are strictly forbidden. Moreover, ignoring classes that are in need of support is never acceptable.

These words have been frequently repeated in the form of policies and laws, but for a proper implementation, our hope is in the young people. And if the leadership of the various sectors of the country is entrusted to young, revolutionary, wise, competent young people - who aren’t few in numbers, praise God - this hope will be fulfilled, God willing.

5) Independence and Freedom: National independence refers to the idea of the nation and the state being free from the impositions and aggressions of the domineering powers of the world. And social freedom means every member of the society has the right to decide, act, and think. All of these are Islamic values. They’re divine gifts bestowed upon human beings, and none of these is a gift to be granted to the people by the state.

Governments are obliged to ensure the two abovementioned rights. The importance of freedom and independence is well-known by those who have fought for it. The Iranian nation is one such group, with their 40 years of jihad. The current independence and freedom of Islamic Iran was achieved by the blood of hundreds of thousands of honorable, brave, self-sacrificing people. They were often young, but they were all in the high ranks of humanity. This fruit of the pure tree of the Revolution cannot be put at risk by naive and sometimes biased justifications. All, especially the government of the Islamic Republic, are obligated to do their utmost to protect these. Obviously, "independence" shouldn’t be defined as confining politics and the economy of the country within its borders, and "freedom" shouldn’t be defined in such a way that’s in opposition to divine ethics, laws, values, and public rights.

6) National dignity, foreign relations, and defining borderlines in relations with the enemy: All three of these are branches of the principle "dignity, wisdom, and expediency" in international relations. The global scene today is witnessing phenomena that are unfolding or will unfold in the near future: the new dynamism of the Islamic Awakening Movement based on the model of resistance to US and Zionist domination, the failure of US policies in the West Asian region and the defeat of their traitorous allies in the region, the expansion of the powerful political presence of the Islamic Republic of Iran in West Asia, and the wide-ranging effect of this throughout the world of the domineering powers. These are examples of the manifestation of the dignity of the Islamic Republic, which was not achieved except by means of the courage and wisdom of the selfless, hardworking managers.

The leaders of the domineering powers are worried. Their proposals generally involve deception, trickery, and lies. Today, the Iranian nation considers a number of the European governments to be deceiving and unreliable in addition to the criminal regime of the United States. The Islamic Republic of Iran must carefully protect its boundaries from them; it shouldn’t retreat from its revolutionary, national values; it shouldn’t be scared by their void threats; at all times, it should consider the dignity of the country; and it should try to wisely, prudently, and with a revolutionary standpoint, of course, settle the problems that can be solved with them. In the case of the United States, it doesn’t appear to be possible to solve any of the problems with them, and any negotiations with the US will only bring material and spiritual harms.

7) Lifestyle: There are many things that need to be discussed about this. I will leave this topic to another opportunity, and I will only mention that the West's attempts to promote the Western lifestyle in Iran have caused much irreversible moral, economic, religious, and political harm to our country and our nation. Countering this requires a comprehensive, intelligent jihad that again here you, the youth, are expected to carry this out.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude for the proud, honorable presence of our dear nation, which thwarted its enemies in the 22nd of Bahman (February 11th) rallies, that also marked the 40th anniversary of the great Islamic Revolution. And I thank Almighty God for this.

Peace be upon the Remnant of God on earth (Imam Mahdi (aj)), peace be upon the pure souls of the honorable martyrs and the pure soul of Imam Khomeini (ra), greetings to all the dear people of Iran, and a special greeting to the youth.

I pray for all of you,

Sayyid Ali Khamenei

Bahman 22, 1397

[February 11, 2019]