Leader: Iran’s heroic people definitive victors in third imposed war

New Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei has called for ongoing public engagement in the fight against US and Israeli aggression, praising the Iranian people’s "clear victory" in the ongoing imposed war.

In a message released Thursday on the occasion of the 40th day of the martyrdom of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, he outlined important matters related to the ongoing imposed war and emphasized the perseverance and resilience of the Iranian people.

The message began with a reference to a verse from the Qur’an: "Indeed, We have granted you a clear victory so that Allah may forgive your past and future sins, complete His favor upon you, guide you to a straight path, and grant you a mighty victory."

"Brothers and sisters in the homeland! Today, and up to this point in the saga of the third holy imposed defense, it can be boldly stated that you, the heroic people of Iran, have been the definitive victors in this arena," he said.

The Leader said the emergence of the Islamic Republic as a major power and the visible decline of imperialism has become clear to all.

"This is undoubtedly a divine blessing that has been bestowed upon us by the blood of our martyred leader and other bloodied martyrs, the oppressed compatriots, and the flowers that were scattered at the school of the noble tree of Minab.

“It is through the supplications and prayers of the masses to the Almighty, their active participation in the streets, neighborhoods, mosques, and their selfless sacrifices that this blessing has been granted to the people of Iran."

On February 28, the first day of the US-Israeli aggression against Iran, the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school in Minab was struck by a volley of US missiles and completely destroyed, leaving about 170 schoolgirls martyred.

Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized that the practical expression of gratitude for the divine blessing is through "tireless efforts towards achieving a powerful Iran".

The Leader highlighted the need for ongoing public engagement to achieve this strategic goal, as set forth by the martyred leader.

"What is necessary at this time to achieve this strategic slogan and goal of the martyred leader is the continued presence of our dear people, as they have done for the past forty days. This presence is a key pillar of the status in which the powerful Iran has established itself today."

Ayatollah Khamenei said the assumption that negotiations with the enemy would lessen the need for public participation should not be accepted.

"Therefore, even if it is presumed that we have entered a phase of military silence, it is the duty of every citizen capable of being present in the streets, neighborhoods, and mosques to intensify their participation."

The Leader affirmed that the people’s cries in the streets have an impact on the negotiations in the wake of a two-week ceasefire announced in the war on Wednesday.

Reflecting on the transformation of the Islamic Republic since its founding, Ayatollah Khamenei praised the achievements of the past decades.

"When our martyred leader took charge, the Islamic Republic was like a sapling, severely wounded by multiple attacks from the enemies of Islam and Iran, though it withstood them all.

“But after nearly 37 years, when he left the leadership, the noble tree he had nurtured stood strong, its roots deep, and its branches casting shadows over significant parts of the region and the world."

The Leader emphasized that the path toward achieving a stronger Iran lies in unity among the country’s diverse communities.

"The path toward the goal of 'a stronger Iran' is through unity among the various sectors of society, as the martyred leader frequently emphasized.

“A significant part of this unity has been achieved in these past forty days: the hearts of the people have grown closer, the divisions between different groups and their varying inclinations have begun to melt, and all have gathered under the flag of the homeland. Day by day, this gathering increases both in numbers and quality."

Ayatollah Khamenei touched on the swift, miraculous growth of the Iranian nation, saying any observer can grasp the rapid, almost miraculous growth of this nation.

Southern neighbors, management of Hormuz

The Leader addressed Iran’s southern neighbors, urging them to recognize the miracle unfolding in the region.

"To our southern neighbors, I say: You are witnessing a miracle. So look properly and understand it well, stand in the right place, and beware of the false promises of the evil ones.

“We are still waiting for a proper response from you, so we may demonstrate our brotherhood and goodwill toward you," he said.

"This will not be achieved unless you distance yourselves from the arrogant powers who never miss an opportunity to humiliate and exploit you. This is something everyone must know: with God’s permission, we will not leave the criminals who attacked our country unpunished."

The Leader said, "We will certainly demand compensation for every single damage inflicted, the blood money of the martyrs, and the blood money for the wounded in this war. We will also undoubtedly take the management of the Strait of Hormuz to a new stage."

Ayatollah Khamenei stressed his resolute stance on the future. "We do not seek war, nor have we ever, but we will not abandon our rightful demands. We will consider the entire Resistance Front in our calculations and actions."

He also called on the Iranian people to remain unified and take care during this challenging time.

"At this stage, as we move toward achieving what is rightfully ours, I urge all citizens to support one another to mitigate the pressure of the natural shortages caused by war.

“Of course, these shortages are much more severe on the enemy’s side, and thanks to the efforts of our brothers and sisters in the government and other institutions, they have been managed to a great extent."

Ayatollah Khamenei further cautioned against the influence of enemy propaganda, saying "it is essential that we protect our ears, the windows to our minds and hearts, from media outlets that are either under the enemy’s control or aligned with them".

“These media outlets do not wish well for our country, and this has been proven time and again. Therefore, we should either avoid them altogether or approach their offerings with extreme skepticism," he said.

Spirit of revenge 

The Leader described the martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei as one of the greatest tragedies to befall Iran, comparing it to one of the heaviest national losses in modern history.

"Forty days have passed since one of the greatest crimes committed by the enemies of Islam and Iran, and one of the heaviest public sorrows in the history of this nation," his message read, referring to Ayatollah Khamenei's martyrdom.

The Leader urged the Iranian people to keep the spirit of revenge for the blood of their fallen heroes alive in their hearts.

"Although the official mourning period for the martyred leader has ended, the firm resolve for avenging the pure blood of our martyrs from the second and third imposed wars remains alive in the hearts and spirits of the people, who will continue to strive for its fulfillment," he said.

The new Leader hailed Ayatollah Khamenei as the "father of the Iranian nation" and a key figure in the global resistance movement, whose sacrifice has inspired many.

He paid tribute to Ayatollah Khamenei’s spirit, stating that his soul now resides in the company of the divine and that the countless companions, soldiers, and civilians who were assassinated alongside him are also martyrs in the cause of justice and truth.

The message called on the Iranian people to remain united and resilient, reinforcing the notion that their ongoing struggle, particularly during the third imposed war, has become a "saga of heroic resistance."

The Leader acknowledged the hardships the nation had endured, but emphasized that the war had transformed into a moment of glory, with Iranians standing firm against the "savage and armed" enemies of the nation.

The Leader compared the current struggle to the epic resilience of the past, drawing parallels to the enduring spirit of Ashura and the sacrifices made by the martyrs of the Islamic Revolution.

He noted that despite the sorrow of losing their leader, the Iranian people has turned their grief into a new form of resistance, with rallies and movements spreading across the country.

The Leader reflected on the life and legacy of Ayatollah Khamenei, describing him as a man of unparalleled dedication, resilience, and wisdom.

He highlighted Ayatollah Khamenei’s spiritual and intellectual contributions, citing his unwavering belief in the promises of God and his constant commitment to the independence of Iran.

Ayatollah Khamenei’s advocacy for the empowerment of youth, his focus on scientific progress, and his efforts to strengthen Iran’s military capabilities were also mentioned.

The Leader stated that these efforts have laid the foundation for Iran’s resilience in the face of foreign pressure and aggression, as well as its growing influence in the region.

The Leader emphasized that the influence of Ayatollah Khamenei, far from being diminished by his martyrdom, has only grown stronger.

The symbolic image of Ayatollah Khamenei’s clenched fist during his assassination has now become an emblem for the Iranian people and for many around the world who aspire to justice and truth, he added.

His martyrdom, the Leader said, has only amplified the resonance of his call for freedom and resistance against oppression.

"His spirit lives on, guiding the Iranian people and the global movement for justice," the message added.

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