On November 1, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that the United States is Iran’s top enemy and that “resistance” is the only way to counter it. Citing President Donald Trump’s recent characterization of the Islamic Republic as a “terrorist nation like few others,” Khamenei argued that Washington is hostile towards Iran’s government and people. In speech to students that was televised, Khamenei encouraged students to take their education seriously and to study Iran’s enemies closely. “Advancements in science will make the country more powerful,” he said. The following are tweets and excerpts, arranged by topic, from his speech.
You witnessed American pres. recently call Iran 'a nation of terrorists'. This is absolutely absurd; he calls an entire nation, terrorists! pic.twitter.com/zAnxny6HZU
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) November 2, 2017
Once an American politician said Iran must be uprooted. Impossible, for such a nation with deep historical & cultural background!
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) November 2, 2017
Our stress on enemy isn't due to partiality: it's based on expertise. The enemy doesn't only oppose Iran's leadership, but the entire nation
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) November 2, 2017
Giving in to US makes them audacious & aggressive; hence resisting is the only option.
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) November 2, 2017
Giving in to US makes them audacious & aggressive; hence resisting is the only option.
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) November 2, 2017
US officials want a submissive ruler in Iran; otherwise, they become Iran’s enemy.
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) November 2, 2017
My dear children, do not forget, in the important, conducive path toward ideals, your major enemy is U.S. pic.twitter.com/piRdnLWrwu
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) November 2, 2017
The United States
"The United States is truly the major malignant enemy."
"I say this not based on prejudice or pessimism, but based on experience, correct analysis of situations, and observation of the realities within the field.”
"These immature remarks [by President Trump] prove that the Americans [U.S. government] are not only the enemies of the Iranian government and its leadership, but they also reveal their hatred and hostility towards the Iranian nation, a nation that has bravely stood up to them!”
"The US is unable to understand that it is impossible to uproot a nation with a rich historical and cultural background."
“From the very first day, when victory of the Islamic Revolution was still in its infancy, the Americans started conspiring against it [the victorious revolution], and they have continued to do so, to no avail, till this today, while the Islamic Republic has become a great and powerful entity. Because, hatred and hostility have made them [US] unable to observe and understand the reality.”
"Historical experience, including what happened to Dr. Mosadegh, proves that, beyond doubt, the US does not even treat those who place their trust in them mercifully. Mosadegh negotiated with the Americans and trusted them to resist the British, but it was the Americans who orchestrated the coup d'etat against him."
"The US would not even be satisfied with the likes of Dr. Mosadegh. They want a loyal servant, a submissive henchman, so they can effectively control an important and productive country like Iran, as they were doing so during the reign of the Shah.”
"Today, they are unraveling nuclear negotiations--JCPOA--and its outcome with extreme malignancy."
"Giving into the US, would make them even bolder and more insolent. Resistance and persistence is the only way."
"This is the main condition to pursue a conducive path towards a bright future."
On Youth
"During the revolution, teenagers, accompanying the youth, stepped onto the battlefield against tyranny; and, they were so sturdy against the tyrannical regime: that day, of November 4th, 1977, was named after them.”
“Adolescents fought in the imposed war like brave, efficient men.”
"We have precise information that our teenagers and youth, today, are analyzing and acting even better than those of previous generations."
"Despite all this animosity [sex, drugs and devious video games], millennials who have not seen Imam Khomeini or the revolution, follow the principles of the revolution with the same wisdom and persistence of the aware youth from early years of the revolution.”
"My dear children, you are a generation that will be able to overcome the enemy's ploys, obstacles, and hardships: you will take this country to its climax, towards Islamic ideals and the great aspirations of the nation; however, a number of conditions are important to achieve this goal.”
"Education must be highly valued.”
"Advancements in science will make the country more powerful in withstanding animosities and overcoming hardships: this will make the country stronger on a domestic level and make the aspirations of the people a reality.”
"Your pure hearts, will make it easier for you to receive God’s mercy. Value this blessing.”