Renewed resolve with a clenched fist

"National power is tied more to the determination of nations and the steadfastness of people than to missiles and aircrafts. By the grace of God, you have shown steadfastness, and you have demonstrated your determination. Continue to show this in various arenas. Drive the enemy to despair."

He delivered these words three days prior to this photograph, on February 9, 2026 – two days before the 47th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution. Standing firm, he clenched the microphone in his fist and called upon the Iranian people to demonstrate their resolve and resilience on the anniversary of their Revolution.

Now, in this photograph taken on February 12, 2026, he stands to express his gratitude to the people for turning out to harmoniously reaffirm a unified message and display their collective identity to the enemy. At the conclusion of this 2-minute and 15-second address, he sent his greetings to each and every member of the nation. Five days later, during a meeting with the people of East Azerbaijan, he declared that the Iranian nation will never, under any circumstances, surrender to America’s corrupt leaders. Concluding that speech, he directed officials to double their efforts in light of the country's current situation, while advising the public to carry on with their daily lives – counsel aimed at rendering the enemy's pressure ineffective.

In his final public address to the nation, Sayyid Ali Khamenei referenced a declaration by the third Imam of the Muslims. In late August of the year 680 AD, Imam Hussain (pbuh), the grandson of the Prophet of Islam (pbuh), stood against a corrupt, murderous ruler who claimed Islamic leadership. This despot sought to use brute force to subjugate Imam Hussain (pbuh) and his family, demanding their allegiance. Imam Hussain’s response was resolute: "Someone like me does not pledge allegiance to someone like him."

With these words, Sayyid Ali Khamenei made it clear that the great and civilized nation of Iran will never surrender to America's corrupt and backward leaders. In another public speech delivered approximately 36 years prior, he had warned that if the enemy intensifies its pressure, the Iranian people will not simply sue for peace – instead, a new Ashura will unfold [April 20, 2000]. 

Ashura was the tragic fate that befell Imam Hussain (pbuh). After refusing to capitulate to the excessive demands of the corrupt ruler of the time, Yazid, he – alongside nearly 72 members of his family and companions – was slain in the most brutal manner in a place called Karbala.

Throughout his entire life, Sayyid Ali Khamenei has stood like a clenched fist against coercion – an evergreen cypress untouched by autumn, continuously growing, and standing tall against the adversities imposed by enemies. He is Iran itself, and Iran is him. When he quoted the words of Imam Hussain (pbuh) in his final speech, the people responded with clenched fists, chanting in unison another famous saying of the Imam: "Far from us is disgrace!" [Heyhat minna-dh-dhillah!]

Now, the Leader of Iran has cultivated his cypress grove, knowing full well that if any disaster were to befall Iran, these very people would rise up. He had foreseen this just four weeks prior to his martyrdom. Following in the footsteps of his ancestor, Imam Hussain (pbuh), he embraced martyrdom alongside his family, igniting yet another chapter of steadfast resistance.

In his very first message as the Leader of Iran, following his election by the Assembly of Experts, Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei referenced the martyred Leader's clenched fist at the moment of his martyrdom – a symbolic sign emerging from every single moment of his life within this material body and perishable world.

Photo: Ayatollah Khamenei's clenched fist while holding an Iranian Dragunov rifle during the Nasr Friday Prayer on October 4, 2024. In Islam, it is recommended that when delivering the Friday Prayer sermon, the Imam holds a weapon – such as a rifle, sword, or staff – in his hand.

Photo: Ayatollah Khamenei's clenched fist during his final public appearance at a Quranic recitation gathering on February 19, 2026. Gracing his hand is an agate ring engraved with verse 62 of Surah Ash-Shu'ara. The verse captures the moment Prophet Moses (pbuh) reassured his people when they feared capture by Pharaoh's advancing army, telling them not to worry and that "Indeed, my Lord is with me." True to that divine promise, God delivered Moses (pbuh) and his people to safety.