Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, in a meeting on Thursday with the chairman and members of the Assembly of Experts, described this Assembly as absolute manifestation of Islamic democracy and a cause of serenity and peace in the society. Strongly recommending all officials to work and make efforts within the framework of Islamic school of thought and taking care not to give in to the literature and stereotypes of the hegemonic system, Ayatollah Khamenei said: “Today, the most important task assigned to religious scholars, university intellectuals and officials is [to show] sensitivity toward enemy’s plotting and its identification, and delineating a promising and progressive future outlook for the country within the framework of the indices of the Islamic school of thought and by benefiting from the potential and capabilities of youths and the country’s extensive potentialities.”
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution also motioned important points about the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and the conditions that followed it.
At the beginning of his speech, Ayatollah Khamenei cited some verses from the Holy Quran about the landing of divine serenity in the hearts of the faithful due to their submission to God and their good faith in divine promises, saying that the Assembly of Experts clears the way for serenity and peace in the society. He then explained this issue by noting: “The Assembly of Experts is the only assembly in which two elections are held; one is the election of members of the Assembly of Experts by people and the other one is the election of the Leader by the Assembly of Experts.”
“Based on these two elections, the Assembly of Experts is the full-fledged manifestation of religious democracy and Islamic democracy, on the one hand, while on the other hand, being the manifestation of the rule of Islamic values and instructions,” the Leader added.
Ayatollah Khamenei said: “When the Assembly of Experts with such unique properties is formed and its members show their intellectual independence and awareness, this issue prepares the ground for serenity and peace in the society.”
Noting that in both elections of the Assembly of Experts, the necessary precision and intellectual independence must be observed, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution said: “Intellectual independence means that members of this Assembly should not get stuck in stereotypes and the literature used by the hegemonic system.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said: “Of course this recommendation is not only for the members of the Assembly of Experts, but all officials and [various] pillars of the [Islamic Republic] Establishment and all political and social and religious pundits must watch out not to comply with the literature and stereotypes of the hegemonic system.”
Referring to extensive efforts and massive propaganda launched by the arrogant front to impose its literature and fake terms on officials and decision-makers and policymakers of countries, Ayatollah Khamenei said: “In the literature of the hegemonic system, such concepts as terrorism and human rights have their own specific meaning and in this literature, incessant six-month attacks on people of Yemen and the killing of innocent people in Gaza do not amount to terrorism, and the suppression of people of Bahrain due to their call for the right of vote is not considered as violation of human rights.”
“In the literature of the hegemonic system, the legitimate defense by the resistance forces in Lebanon and Palestine [against Israel] is considered as terrorism but actions by despotic countries, [which are] close to America, in the region, are not against human rights,” said the Leader of the Islamic Revolution.
Ayatollah Khamenei went on to note: “In this literature, assassination of nuclear scientists, to which Zionists have almost obviously confessed, and in which some European countries have also admitted to their supportive role, is not considered as terrorism.”
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution emphasized that fabrication of such concepts and expecting everyone to speak within the framework of this literature is a clear sign of hegemony and despotism, saying: “On the opposite, the Establishment of the Islamic Republic adheres to a system of Islamic thinking which still has attractiveness and freshness for the world despite the passage of so many years [since it was introduced].”
Outlining the elements of the system of Islamic thinking, Ayatollah Khamenei mentioned the negation of injustice and arrogance and despotism, as well as national and Islamic dignity and intellectual, political and economic independence as the major components of this intellectual system. Regarding the significance of independence and its role in the promoting self-confidence and progress among a nation, the Leader said: “Independence is a [very important] part of freedom. Therefore, those who negate independence are in fact opposed to freedom.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said the slogan of “Independence, Freedom and Islamic Republic” encompasses the logical relationship that exists between these three concepts, adding: “All-out independence and intellectual and practical freedom, both lie within the system of Islamic thinking and the Islamic Republic Establishment, and such an intellectual system clears the way for self-confidence as well as evolutionary and progressive movement of every nation.”
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution said Islamic lifestyle, innovation and synergy and national unity are other elements of the system of Islamic thinking and pointed out: “During the past 36 years, the Iranian nation – as a result of moving within the framework of this intellectual system – has been able to make significant progress despite plenty of obstacles.”
Ayatollah Khamenei stated that the [future] vision envisaged by the Islamic establishment is an advanced Iran both in scientific and industrial terms, with a population of 150 million to 200 million, inspired by spirituality and away from hegemony, but firm against bullying and hegemonic powers. The Leader added: “Achievement of this goal by the Islamic Republic of Iran will be very heavy [blow] for the arrogant front, and the reason behind all conspiracies and efforts made to confront the Islamic Establishment is to prevent the realization of such a future.”
Emphasizing that the emergence of such a Muslim state will clear the way for the obliteration of hegemonic system and blasphemy, Ayatollah Khamenei said: “The Iranian nation, particularly youths, religious scholars and academic intellectuals should push ahead with their movement within the framework of the system of Islamic thinking and everyone, including officials, should be sensitive and vigilant about the enemy’s plotting and scheme.”
“One must not be duped by the enemy as a result of its smile or its probable short-term assistance on a certain issue, but we must always be vigilant to find out about what the enemy’s plotting and scheme are,” the Leader said.
Ayatollah Khamenei once again reiterated that the enemy and global arrogance are not an imaginary issue, but a fact whose biggest manifestation is the US government and Zionist economic cartels and companies that support it.
Referring to the capabilities, potential and talents of faithful youths as well as the capacities, riches and natural resources of the country, and the deep influence of Islamic culture and the culture of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)’s Household among people, the Leader said: “All officials and effective and influential figures in the society should outline this bright future for people more than before, and while raising people’s hope in the future, provide grounds for the establishment of serenity and peace in the country.”
In another part of his address, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution mentioned important points about JCPOA and issues that followed it as well as the implementation of the policies of the Resistance Economy.
Referring to debates in recent days about the role of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majlis) in the examination of JCPOA, Ayatollah Khamenei said: “Regarding the legal aspects of this issue and its exigencies, legal experts and pundits must given their opinions, but generally speaking, I believe and I have told Mr. President [Hassan Rouhani] that it would not be in the interest [of the country] to sideline the Islamic Consultative Assembly in the issue of the examination of JCPOA.”
Underscoring the necessity of the involvement of the Majlis in the examination of JCPOA, Ayatollah Khamenei said: “I have no recommendation for the Majlis on how to examine [JCPOA] or whether they should ratify or reject it. It is the representatives of the nation who must made a decision [on this issue].”
Regarding issued that following JCPOA, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution said: “Regarding these issues, I’ve shared certain points with my dear and close brethren within the Administration [of President Rouhani], which I express now for the information of members of the Assembly of Experts and all people.”
Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the six countries negotiating with Iran and the role of the United States among these six countries, saying: “In fact, our main opposite side is the American government, but the American officials speak very badly and a decision should be made about such rhetoric.”
Referring to US officials’ remarks on maintaining the framework of anti-Iran sanctions, the Leader said: “If the framework of the sanctions is to remain in place [then] what did we negotiate for? This is completely against the reason behind the Islamic Republic of Iran's participation in the negotiations, because the goal of the talks was the removal of the sanctions.”
“If throughout the talks, we backed down in certain cases and gave certain concessions it was mainly for the sanctions to be lifted. Otherwise, there would be no need for us to take part in the negotiations and we could continue our work and could increase the number of our centrifuges to 50,000 or 60,000 from the 19,000 centrifuges that we have in a short time, and continue 20-percent [uranium] enrichment, and speed up research and development as well,” said Ayatollah Khamenei.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution then noted: “If the sanctions are not lifted, then will be no deal. Therefore, this issue must be clarified.”
Addressing Iranian officials, the Leader said: “Don’t say that the Americans make these remarks to convince their domestic rivals. Of course, I believe that there is real infighting in America and they are at odds and the cause of this discrepancy is clear to us; but what is said officially also needs a response and if no response is given, the other party’s words will be taken as true.”
Referring to US officials’ remarks about the suspension of sanctions, Ayatollah Khamenei said: “It was not our issue from the very beginning. We insisted that the sanctions must be lifted and not [be merely] suspended.”
Ayatollah Khamenei added: “Of course, my view was the immediate lifting of the sanctions, but our friends here, somehow explained this issue [to me] and I did not oppose, but the sanctions must be lifted. If the sanctions are to be suspended, the actions we are supposed to take will be limited to the level of suspension and will not [amount to] a fundamental measure on the ground.”
“Of course, the opposite party says lifting of some sanctions is not in control of the American government. We also say that the same sanctions that are in control of the American government and European governments must be lifted.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said another part of bad remarks made by US officials was totally irrelevant to the issue of nuclear agreement, adding: “The leaders of America speak about Iran similar to the Britons in the 19th century and it seems that they are two centuries behind the world and history. The world has changed and superpowers no longer have the power and capability and ability to do what they used to do; and on the opposite side, is the Islamic Republic with its known and unknown capabilities, which will become known in time of action, and Iran is not like an undeveloped state, which they could talk to in any way they wanted.”
Referring to one of the interventionist remarks made by Americans, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution said: “The American officials say ‘we expect the Islamic Republic’s officials and government to do something different’.”
He added: “In their view, something different is that the Islamic Republic do something different from the past and cross [the line of] Islamic values and stop sticking to Islamic instructions, but such a thing will never happen and neither the administration, nor the Majlis, nor officials will absolutely do such a thing and [even if] someone wanted to do such a thing, people and the Islamic Republic Establishment would not allow them.”
Elucidating one of the issues expected by Americans, Ayatollah Khamenei said: “Among America’s policies in the region is complete annihilation and eradication of the forces of resistance and full domination over Syria and Iraq, and they expect the Islamic Republic to enter this framework, which such a thing will never happen.”
Referring to another instance of provocative remarks by US officials, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution said: “They (American officials) said the JCPOA has offered American with some opportunities both inside Iran and outside Iran and in the region.”
Ayatollah Khamenei told officials in the Administration and other organs: “The officials in the Administration and in various organs should by no means let the US push ahead with this opportunism inside [Iran] and they should also make efforts to deny the US these opportunities outside the country, because the more they managed to realize these opportunities [for themselves], certainly the more will be humiliation, suffering, and backwardness of nations.”
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution reaffirmed his insistence on the full ban on negotiations with the United States on any issue except for the nuclear issue, in his meetings with foreign policy and other Iranian officials, saying: “The reason for his opposition is America’s orientations, which stand exactly opposite to those of the Islamic Republic.”
Ayatollah Khamenei went on to highlight the important issue of the country’s economy, saying: “The policies of the Resistance Economy are a complete and inseparable package, and their implementation requires a full operational plan. Therefore, I have requested the esteemed president and the Administration to draw up a comprehensive, operational and applied plan for the materialization of the policies of the Resistance Economy and I expect this measure to be taken.”
Regarding the significance of the materialization of the Resistance Economy, Ayatollah Khamenei said: “If the Resistance Economy is fully materialized, it would no longer be important if the money which is returned to Iran is $5 billion or $100 billion. Of course, the money which the world owes us and which has been blocked in an unjust manner should be used. However, the Resistance Economy should not be overshadowed by such issues.”
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution also reiterated the need for the establishment of an active operational headquarters to implement the policies of the Resistance Economy, saying: “This headquarters must be established within the administration and create a great movement by specifying the duties of every organ and [by] following up on and setting the timeframe of the activities [of various organs].”
In the concluding part of his address, Ayatollah Khamenei addressed faithful forces across the country, saying: “The general movement is directed towards Islamic ideals and goals, and the faithful, original, and committed forces, who form the absolute majority in the country, must maintain their preparedness for working in different economic, cultural and political fields, and in confrontation with the enemy’s orientations, with good faith in the God’s promise of victory.”
Before Ayatollah Khamenei’s speech, Ayatollah Mohammad Yazdi, chairman of the Assembly of Experts, said the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution was due to the leadership of the late Imam Khomeini and the bravery of the Iranian people, and mentioned several points on the latest meeting of the Assembly of Experts.
Also, Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi, vice-chairman of the Assembly of Experts, presented a report on the 18th annual meeting of the Assembly of Experts, saying that the recent meeting’s main agenda was focused on amending the bylaw related to the number of the assembly’s members.
Referring to discussions on the existing conditions in the region and the Takfiris’ sedition in the Muslim world, and also discussion of the nuclear negotiations by a number of guests invited to the meeting of the Assembly of Experts, Ayatollah Shahroudi said: “Presentation of proposals and solutions for domestic issues, addressing the concerns of the Assembly of Experts’ members about cultural issues, commemoration of martyrs and lauding the valuable cultural move by the Iranian nation in the funeral procession for martyrs, discussing the significance of the forthcoming elections of the Assembly of Experts and the heavy responsibility of the Guardian Council in safeguarding the position of this Assembly, [explaining] the necessity of the vetting process within the framework of the law, and presenting a report on the advances made following the [Islamic] Revolution in impoverished provinces, particularly in Sunni-inhabited regions, were among the most important topics of discussion, speeches, and negotiations during the recent meeting of the Assembly of Experts.”
“Members of the Assembly of Experts emphasized that the nuclear agreement does not mean the normalization of relations with America,” said Ayatollah Shahroudi.