Islam Times - Powerful Iran Not Afraid of Enemy Tricks: Leader

Islam Times - Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran reiterated that the Tehran is not afraid of enemies’ malicious tricks of malevolence and knows how to confront them.

Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei made the remarks during a ceremony where he formally endorsed Hassan Rouhani as president, paving the way for him to take office for a second term as the head of Iran’s 12th administration.

During the ceremony on Thursday in Tehran, Ayatollah Khamenei gave the president-elect by a decree to assign him his duties.

In May, Rouhani won re-election in a landslide after securing 57 percent of the votes and defeating his main contender Ebrahim Raeisi, the current custodian of the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (PBUH).

Under Iran’s election law, the president-elect is required to gain the Leader’s official approval before being sworn in before the Parliament (Majlis). Through this process, called Tanfiz (validation), the Leader affirms the outcome of the presidential election.

In his speech, Ayatollah Khamenei pointed out that the coincidence of the endorsement ceremony with the auspicious birth anniversary of Imam Ali ibn Musa ar-Ridha AS brings about dignity and consolation for the loving hearts of the Iranian people and those who attended the ceremony.

Democracy in Iran

Pointing to the importance of the session, the Leader said firstly, it is the beginning of a new term of management for the country and secondly, it is a symbol of democracy.

“From the beginning of the Islamic Revolution to the present day, the Iranian people have participated in the selection of the country's top managers twelve times; this is a blessing of the Islamic Revolution,” Ayatollah Khamenei noted.

The Leader added that the younger generation in Iran should not forget “what we deeply experienced in the time before the Revolution: the dictatorship, the marginalization of the people, the disregard for the people in the governance of the country.”

Ayatollah Khamenei also paid tribute to the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the late Imam Khomeini adding that with the blessings of his determination, deep faith, endless insight, and extraordinary courage, delivered these achievements to the Iranian people.

Iran not isolated, confronting hegemonic powers

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution pointed out that, despite the fact that the enemies sought to isolate the Iranian nation, the Iranian nation has not been isolated and cooperates with the world, while, at the same time, seriously confronts the hegemonies.

Ayatollah Khamenei said that while Iran has faced sanctions which create problems for the country, however the sanctions have also enlightened Iranians on their own strengths pointing out that today, despite the enemies’ desire, Iran is a powerful nation. “The sanctions, of course, caused problems for the country, but [made us] open our eyes to our own capabilities,” the Leader said. “We used all the enmities to our own benefit,” Ayatollah Khamenei noted.

Iranians confronting enemy plots

The Leader added that today, the Iranian people have learned how to take measures concerning the enemy's plots, and the Iranian officials know how to deal with the enemy.

The Leader urged the new administration to focus its efforts on “establishing justice, siding with the poor and implementing the rules of pure Islam,” adding that authorities should also work to strengthen “national unity.”

Ayatollah Khamenei added that Iran can have a broad relationship with the world by helping other nations and governments and also mutually benefitting from their assistance as well.

Ayatollah Khamenei also urged the Rouhani administration to confront any hegemony strongly and firmly adding that today the most appalling and aggressive regime is the US government.

The Leader noted that four decades of experience, in international relations, reveals that the cost of surrendering to aggressive powers is far greater than the cost of standing up to them.

Iran using diplomatic power, deterrence might

Rouhani also delivered a speech after receiving the endorsement decree, elaborating on his future plans as the chief executive.

He said “social justice” and “poverty alleviation” were among the main ideals of the Islamic establishment, adding that the eradication of absolute poverty is one of the objectives of his administration.

Iran paid the price for its independence and will stand against enemy attempts to isolate the nation, he added, stressing, “We will never accept isolation.”

He said the country has stood against the “toughest of the sanctions” by taking advantage of a combination of its “diplomatic power” and “deterrence might.”