TEHRAN (Iran News) On the occasion of Basij Week, thousands of members of Basij met with Ayatollah Khamenei at the Imam Khomeini Hussainiyah of Tehran on Monday, November 25.

During the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei characterized the Basij as an inherently cultural, social, and military network.

He stated that approximately three weeks after the seizure of the US Spy Den and America’s aggressive stance, Imam Khomeini turned that significant threat into a great opportunity by establishing the Basij on November 26, 1979, and planted this “Shajarah Tayyibah” (Blessed Tree) in the country’s social, cultural, and military landscape.

The Leader highlighted the multifaceted nature of the Basij, asserting that its military dimension is just one facet. He explained that the Basij is primarily a school of thought and ideology, founded on the fundamental principles of faith, belief in God, and self-confidence. He stated that this foundation has played and will continue to play a prominent and fruitful role in various areas.

Continuing his remarks, the Leader criticized the Zionist regime’s actions in Palestine and Lebanon.

He stated, “The stupid Zionists imagine that by bombarding people’s homes, hospitals, and places where people are gathered, they’re the victors. No, no one in the world considers that to be a victory.”

Emphasizing that the enemy has not and will not be victorious in Gaza and Lebanon despite its egregious war crimes, the Leader added, “The arrest warrant issued for Netanyahu is not enough and a death sentence should be issued for him and the criminal leaders of the Zionist regime.”

Ayatollah Khamenei deemed the Zionist regime’s crimes in Gaza and Lebanon to have backfired on the perpetrators, leading to a strengthening and emboldening of the resistance. He added that the brave young Palestinians and Lebanese, regardless of their social status or involvement in combat, find themselves under bombardment and the threat of death. Consequently, they see no alternative but to fight and resist. Thus, these criminal fools are, in fact, unwittingly expanding the resistance front.

He underscored that the expansion of the resistance front is an absolute and inviolable necessity, emphasizing that however vast the resistance front is now, it will be several times bigger than this tomorrow.

In the continuation of his speech, the Leader enumerated the denial of nations’ abilities and humiliating them as longstanding policies of the domineering powers. He added, “According to the verses in the Quran, Pharaoh belittled and humiliated his people to ensure their obedience. However, Pharaoh was more noble than the current rulers of America and Europe; for not only do they humiliate their own people, but they also belittle other nations in order to plunder their resources and interests.”

Ayatollah Khamenei described domestic agents of imperialism as complementary to the external pressures and psychological warfare of the oppressors. He added, “Just as they did during the nationalization of the oil industry, these agents, in harmony with their masters, deny the history, identity, and capabilities of the nation to clear the way for the oppressors.”

The Leader considered the Basij ideology to be a barrier breaker, stating that, “The self-belief stemming from the spirit of the Basij, neutralizes the very dangerous soft weapons of the domineering system, which aims to humiliate, render passive, and instill despair in the nation. Undoubtedly, this spirit and the abilities arising from it will prevail over all the policies of the United States, the West, and the Zionist regime, both within the country and among the members of the Resistance Front.”

TEHRAN (Iran News) A group of academic elites and outstanding scientific talents met with Ayatollah Khamenei at the Imam Khomeini Hussainiyah of Tehran on Wednesday, October 2.

The Leader initiated the meeting by speaking about the recent loss of Hezbollah’s Leader, Seyed Hassan Nasrallah, who was martyred in Beirut in an Israeli strike on September 27.

“We are in mourning these days. I, in particular, am deeply grieved. The loss of Mr. Seyed Hassan Nasrallah is not a small matter. Even though the atmosphere in the country is one of public mourning, I chose not to postpone this meeting with the elites, which had already been planned,” he stated.

Ayatollah Khamenei underlined the reason for holding the meeting of elites at the scheduled time, stating, “The message of this gathering is that even though we are in mourning, this does not mean that we should just sit in a corner and wallow in despair. Rather, our mourning is of the same nature as that of Imam Hussain (AS). It is reviving, propelling, and it inspires enthusiasm for work and progress.”

The Leader emphasized, “The root of the problem and the fundamental cause of conflicts and wars in the region lies is the presence of the United States and certain European countries that falsely advocate for peace and tranquility. If they leave this region, the conflicts and wars would come to an end, allowing the countries to manage their affairs and coexist in peace and prosperity.”

He considered Saddam Hussein’s instigation to attack Iran and the ensuing bitter and difficult days as an example of the warmongering of the United States and the West in the region. In the same context, Ayatollah Khamenei remarked, “The current friendship between the two countries, Iran and Iraq, of which the pinnacle is manifested in the great Arbaeen Walk, clearly demonstrates that the primary obstacle to peace in the region stems from those who falsely claim to seek it. We remain hopeful that, with God’s help, the determination of the Iranian people, the inspiration drawn from the Islamic Revolution, and collaboration with other nations, will, God willing, lead to the departure of our enemies from the region.”

The Leader addressed three issues relevant to the subject of the meeting: Recognizing gifted individuals in the country, preserving and multiplying these talents and the duties and responsibilities of the elite.

He regarded elite individuals and the conditions necessary for cultivating talent as among the country’s most valuable assets. Referring to the neglect of elite individuals and talent development during the reign of the Pahlavi regime, Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized that while the Revolution brought more attention to the capabilities of talented individuals, this focus needs to be intensified by involving them more actively in various sectors including water, oil, gas, nuclear energy, nanotechnology, and new sciences such as artificial intelligence.

The Leader highlighted the responsibilities of the country’s elites, stating, “The duties of the elites are more significant than those of the general populace, as they enjoy greater divine blessings and advantages, including knowledge, honor, and wealth.”

Highlighting the swift pace of scientific progress worldwide, the Leader urged intellectuals to embark in a jihad for a scientific uprising. The country, he remarked, needs a new scientific movement and leap, a responsibility that rests primarily on the shoulders of intellectuals. “Of course, scientific and research centers are also responsible in this regard, but the individual elite is the key factor.”

Ayatollah Khamenei also emphasized that a new scientific movement and leap would lead to superiority over rivals and ill-wishers. He highlighted that achieving scientific and technological superiority would significantly diminish the enemy’s capacity to harm the people of Gaza and Beirut’s Dahiyah district. This, he emphasized, would help avert provocations that would break the hearts of the people and the youth.

TEHRAN (Iran News) Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei made the statement in a message of condolences on Saturday over the martyrdom of Seyed Hassan Nasrallah, the longtime leader of the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement, who was assassinated in a massive Israeli airstrike in southern Beirut on Friday.

The Leader declared five days of national mourning following the martyrdom of the Hezbollah chief.

The Leader said the foundation that Nasrallah established in Lebanon and provided direction to other centers of power will not disappear with his loss but will be strengthened by blood of the Hezbollah chief and other martyrs of the Beirut attack.

Ayatollah Khamenei described Nasrallah as a great fighter, the bearer of the resistance in the region, a religious scholar and a wise political leader who was martyred in the last night events in Lebanon.

The Leader stated that Nasrallah was martyred as he was planning to defend the defenseless people living in the Dahiyeh area in the south of Lebanon’s capital Beirut and their destroyed homes.

Nasrallah fought for decades to defend the oppressed Palestinian people, their occupied cities and villages, destroyed homes, and their slaughtered loved ones, Ayatollah Khamenei added, Press TV reported.

“The blessing of martyrdom was his undeniable right after all these efforts,” the Leader emphasized.

“The Muslim world lost a great personality, the resistance front lost a prominent flag-bearer, and Lebanon’s Hezbollah lost a unique leader,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.

The Leader, however emphasized, the blessings of decades of Nasrallah’s prudence and jihad will never be lost.

Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that the evil Zionist regime failed to achieve victory in this incident.

The Leader said the Hezbollah chief “was not just a person, but rather he was a path and a school of thought and this path will continue.”

TEHRAN (Iran News)During a meeting with Ismail Haniyeh, head of the political bureau of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas, and Ziyad al-Nakhalah, the Secretary General of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement, in Tehran on Tuesday, Ayatollah Khamenei commended the extraordinary steadfastness and resistance of the oppressed people of Gaza. “Today, the most prominent flag of Islam is in the hands of the Palestinian nation and the people of Gaza. Thanks to their resistance, the grounds for promoting Islam have been provided more than ever before,” he remarked.

The Leader emphasized that a key concern among Islamic thinkers is how to effectively promote Islam and present a model of an Islamic society. He further noted that the growing interest in Islam today is a testament to the greatness of the resilience of the Palestinian people and the people of Gaza.

“The profound greatness and glory of the Resistance mainly stem from the people of Gaza and the residents of the West Bank, and we hope that the Palestinian nation and the Resistance Forces will receive divine assistance and support,” the Leader stated, Khamenei.ir reported.

During the meeting, Haniyeh extended his congratulations on the election of Iran’s new president, characterizing the recent elections as a testament to democracy rooted in Islamic thought. Reflecting on his discussion with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, he said, “In this meeting, we once again witnessed the good and firm positions of the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding the issue of Palestine and the Resistance Movement, and this is something that fills us with pride.”

While explaining the latest military and political situation in Gaza and the West Bank, Haniyeh stated, “Yesterday marked the 300th day of the Gaza War, and we have now reached a critical and historic stage in which the Palestinian people and the Resistance Forces must sustain their heroism and victory.”

Ziyad al-Nakhalah also congratulated the election of Pezeshkian as the new Iranian president, commending him for his steadfast support of Palestine and the Resistance. “The joint presence of the leaders of Hamas and Islamic Jihad at today’s meeting symbolically represents the unity of the Resistance Forces in Palestine. Thanks to this unity, coordination and cooperation among the Resistance Font in the region are also at their best,” he stated.

TEHRAN (Iran News) –In a message on Saturday, July 6, Ayatollah Khamenei thanked the presidential candidates and all the people involved in the process of election.

The text of the Leader’s message is as follows, released by Khamenei.ir:

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

All praise is due to God, Lord of the Worlds, and peace and greetings be upon our Master, Muhammad, and his pure Progeny, particularly the Remnant of God on earth (may our souls be sacrificed for his sake).

Praise God, the Almighty and Merciful, for through His will and blessings the great nation of Iran was able to organize and conduct the presidential election swiftly within the short legal timeframe following the tragic loss of the martyred president. Free, transparent elections were held in two consecutive Fridays, and the president of the country was elected from among several candidates based on a majority of the votes.

Our respected election officials fulfilled their duties with the required promptness and with the utmost integrity. Our dear people came to the polls due to their sense of responsibility creating a warm, enthusiastic atmosphere and filling the ballot boxes with over 55 million votes in two stages.

This great movement in the face of the tumult calling for a boycott of the elections, which was orchestrated by the enemies of the Iranian nation to induce despair and a feeling of hopelessness, was a shining, unforgettable endeavor. All the respected candidates and all those who tirelessly worked day and night for weeks for the victory of each of them have a share in this honor and reward.

The Iranian people have now chosen their president. I extend my congratulations to the nation, the newly elected president, and all those who were active in this critical process, especially the enthusiastic youth who worked in the candidates’ campaign headquarters. I encourage everyone to work together and with goodwill for the increased progress and honor of our country. It is befitting that the competitive behavior of the election period be transformed into feelings of camaraderie, and everyone must strive in accordance with their capacity for the material and spiritual advancement of the country.

I would like to recommend Dr. Pezeshkian, the elected president, put his trust in God, the Compassionate, and set his vision on high, bright horizons. In following the path of Martyr Raisi, I encourage him to make the best use of the abundant capacities of the country – especially our young, Revolutionary, faithful human resources – for the well-being of the people and the progress of the country.

Once again, I would like to thank Almighty God and extend my greetings and salutations to the great Remnant of God [Imam Mahdi (may our souls be sacrificed for his sake)]. I would also like to honor the memory of the esteemed martyrs and their magnanimous Imam [Imam Khomeini]. I sincerely thank all the respected candidates, those who actively took part in the election process during this critical period, as well as the national media, those who protect national security, and the governmental bodies responsible for the administration of the election.

Sayyid Ali Khamenei

TEHRAN (Iran News) –The Leader cast his ballot at the Imam Khomeini Husseiniya of Tehran at 8 am local time, with enthusiastic journalists and photographers present at the site of the voting.

In comments after voting in the 14th presidential election, Ayatollah Khamenei prayed that the best days and years would come for the Iranian nation.

Describing the election day as a day of happiness and exhilaration for Iranians, the Leader said it is even more important when it comes to presidential election, which will shape the fate of the country’s next few years.

Highlighting the importance of the presence of people in the polls, Ayatollah Khamenei said a high turnout of voters is a “definite need” for the Islamic Republic, which is founded upon the presence of people.

The continuation, honor, dignity and strength of the Islamic Republic in the world hinges on people’s presence, the Leader stated.

Ayatollah Khamenei called on people to participate in the “important political test” of voting and take it serious.

Asked about the undecided and hesitant eligible voters, the Leader stressed that the people should have no doubts and take part in the polls, since it is not a difficult process, but an easy job, yet with important results.

Polling stations across Iran opened at 8 am local time and will continue to receive voters for ten hours. However, the Interior Ministry may extend the election period if necessary.

More than 61,450,000 eligible Iranian voters can take part in the ongoing elections inside the country and abroad.

The individuals born on or before June 28, 2006, are eligible to vote.

Around 59,000 polling stations have been set up across the country, including over 15,000 mobile stations.

A total of 340 polling stations have been also set up in 100 countries to enable the Iranian expatriates to take part in the election.

Forces from the Police, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), and Basij are tasked with ensuring security of the election.

There are four candidates seeking presidency in the polls, including Saeed Jalili, Mostafa Pourmohammadi, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, and Masoud Pezeshkian. Two other hopefuls, Alireza Zakani and Amir Hossein Qazizadeh Hashemi dropped out of the race on Wednesday and Thursday.

The candidates have been singled out by the Constitutional Council from 80 applicants seeking the presidency.

The new administration, the 14th one after the victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979, will assume power in late June or early July and hold office for four years.

The polls take place a year ahead of schedule, as Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi passed away in May.

A helicopter carrying President Raisi and his entourage crashed in northwestern mountainous forests on May 19, killing the president, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, and six others.

TEHRAN (Iran News) –“This renunciation of the Zionist regime and its supporters, in particular the government of the United States of America, must be demonstrated in the words and actions of nations and governments, and it must impede the actions of the murderers,” the Leader said in a message to the 2024 Hajj pilgrims.

The following is the full text of the message of Ayatollah Khamenei:

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, and peace and blessings be upon the best of creation, our Master Muhammad al-Mustafa, and upon his Pure Progeny, upon his chosen Companions and upon those who follow them in righteousness until the Day of Judgment.

The appealing Abrahamic call, which by God’s command summons all human beings in all eras to the Kaaba during the time of Hajj, has once again this year, attracted the hearts of a number of Muslims from around the world to this center of tawhid and unity.

It has created this magnificent, diverse gathering of a multitude of people, revealing the human spectrum and spiritual power of Islam both to itself and to others.

When one contemplates this magnificent gathering and the complex Hajj rituals, they are a source of reassurance and increase the confidence for the Muslims, while being intimidating and a cause of trepidation for enemies and for ill-wishers.

It should not come as a surprise if the enemies and ill-wishers of the Islamic Ummah attempt to ruin and sow doubts about both of these aspects of the Hajj – whether it is by accentuating denominational and political differences, or by trying to diminish the importance of its sacred and spiritual aspects.

The Quran introduces Hajj as a manifestation of worship, dhikr (remembering God), humbleness and the equal dignity of all human beings. (It introduces Hajj as) a manifestation of a human being’s organized material and spiritual life, a manifestation of blessings and guidance, and a manifestation of moral peace and harmony between (religious) brothers in practice. And (the Quran introduces Hajj as) a manifestation of repugnance and the establishment of a powerful front against the enemies.

Reflection on the verses related to Hajj and contemplation on the acts and rituals of this unparalleled obligation, reveal these matters and similar secrets and mysteries as these that exist within the intricate arrangement that constitutes Hajj.

Brothers and sisters, as pilgrims undertaking Hajj, you are currently in a place where you can practice these truths and luminous teachings. Bring your thoughts and actions closer and closer to these, and bring back to your homes a reformed identity infused with these lofty concepts. This is the valuable, real souvenir of your Hajj journey.

This year, the issue of bara’at (renunciation of the polytheists) is more significant than ever before. The tragedies in Gaza, which are unparalleled in our contemporary history, along with the audacity of the ruthless Zionist regime, which is the embodiment of cruelty and villainy, and of course the declining state of Zionism, leave no room for any consideration or tolerance by any individual, party, government or Muslim denomination.

This year’s renunciation of the polytheists must continue beyond the time and place of Hajj to all Muslim countries and cities worldwide. It must continue beyond just the Hajj pilgrims and be extended to the general populace.

This renunciation of the Zionist regime and its supporters, in particular the government of the United States of America, must be demonstrated in the words and actions of nations and governments, and it must impede the actions of the murderers.

The ironclad resistance of Palestine and the patient, oppressed people of Gaza – whose remarkable patience and resistance have earned them admiration and respect globally – must be fully supported in every way.

I implore God for their complete and swift victory. And for you dear pilgrims, I pray that your Hajj will be accepted. May the prayers of the Remnant of God on earth (Imam Mahdi (may our souls be sacrificed for him)) be with you.

May Allah’s greetings and mercy be upon you.

Sayyid Ali Khamenei

Dhu al-Hijjah 4, 1445

June 11, 2024

TEHRAN (Iran News) –Following the martyrdom-like demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage, Ismail Haniyeh, head of the political bureau of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas, and his accompanying delegation met with Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei in Tehran on Wednesday to convey their condolences to the Leader and the Iranian government and nation.

During the meeting, the Leader thanked the Palestinian nation, especially the people of Gaza, for offering their condolences. He also extended congratulations and condolences for the martyrdom of Mr. Haniyeh’s children, and commended the head of the political bureau of Hamas for his patience, Khamenei.ir reported.

Referring to the remarkable resistance displayed by the people of Gaza, which has surprised the world, Ayatollah Khamenei remarked, “Who would have believed that one day, slogans in support of Palestine would be raised in US universities and that the flag of Palestine would be raised there? Who would have believed that one day in Japan and in demonstrations in support of Palestine, the slogan ‘Death to Israel’ would be chanted in Persian?”

He highlighted that there may be future events related to Palestine that may seem unimaginable at present.

The Leader then referenced Quranic verses regarding the realization of God’s two promises to the mother of Prophet Moses (PBUH). “Now God’s first promise about the Palestinian people has been fulfilled, and that is the victory of the people of Gaza, who are a small group, against the big, powerful group [consisting of] the US, NATO, England and a number of other countries. Accordingly, the second promise, which is the elimination of the Zionist regime, can also be realized. With God’s grace, the day will come when Palestine will be established ‘from the river to the sea.’”

“Mr. Mokhber, who, as stipulated in the Constitution, is in charge of the country’s executive affairs, will uphold the late President’s policies and beliefs regarding Palestine with the same drive and spirit,” Ayatollah Khamenei stated.

A helicopter carrying President Raisi and his entourage crashed in northwestern mountainous forests on Sunday.

The fatal accident happened as the president was returning from Khoda Afarin region in Iran’s northwestern province of East Azarbaijan after inaugurating a dam at the common border with the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The crash killed President Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, Friday prayers leader of Tabriz Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Al-e-Hashem, Governor of East Azarbaijan Malek Rahmati, the commander of the president’s security team, two pilots and a flight crew.

Ayatollah Khamenei has declared five days of public mourning, appointing the first vice president as the manager of the executive power.

TEHRAN (Iran News) –In a funeral service at the University of Tehran on Wednesday morning, Ayatollah Khamenei led the prayers in front of the coffins of President Raisi and seven others who were martyred in a helicopter crash on May 19.

Ayatollah Khamenei on Monday offered his condolences on the “martyrdom-like” passing away of the president, declared five days of public mourning, and appointed the first vice president as the manager of the executive power.

A huge crowd of people from all walks of life have attended the funeral service in the University of Tehran.

Mourners will then march in procession to the Azadi (Liberty) Square.

Separate funeral services were held in Tabriz and Qom yesterday, before the bodies were transferred to Tehran for people to bid farewell to the eight martyrs at the Grand Musalla (prayer hall) on Tuesday night.

The president will be laid to rest Thursday at noon in the holy city of Mashhad in northeastern Iran, where the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS) is located.

A helicopter carrying President Raisi and his entourage crashed in northwestern mountainous forests on Sunday.

The fatal accident happened as the president was returning from Khoda Afarin region in Iran’s northwestern province of East Azarbaijan after inaugurating a dam at the common border with the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The crash killed President Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, Friday prayers leader of Tabriz Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Al-e-Hashem, Governor of East Azarbaijan Malek Rahmati, the commander of the president’s security team, two pilots and a flight crew.

TEHRAN (Iran News) –In a message on Monday morning, Ayatollah Khamenei sent condolences on the passing away of President Raisi and his entourage in a helicopter crash in northwestern Iran.

What follows is the text of the message, released by Khamenei.ir:

“In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Surely we belong to God and to Him we shall return

With deep sorrow and regret, I have received the bitter news of the martyrdom-like demise of the mujahid scholar, the people’s President, the competent, hard-working servant of Imam Reza (PBUH), Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen, Haj Sayyid Ebrahim Raisi and his esteemed entourage (may God be pleased with them). This bitter tragedy took place while he was serving the people. The entire period that this great, self-sacrificing person held various responsibilities, both during his brief presidency and before that, he was totally dedicated to serving the people, the country, and Islam nonstop.

Our honorable Raisi worked tirelessly. In this bitter tragedy, the Iranian nation lost a devoted, sincere, valuable individual who served their country. For him, the well-being and satisfaction of the people, which he considered to be a reflection of divine approval, took precedence over everything else. Therefore, the hurt he suffered due to the ingratitude and taunts of some ill-wishers did not deter him from his round-the-clock efforts for progress and to improve matters.

In this tragic event, prominent figures such as Hujjat al-Islam Ale-Hashem, the beloved, respected Friday Prayer Leader of Tabriz, Mr. Amirabdollahian, the diligent, active Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Malek Rahmati, the revolutionary, religious governor of East Azerbaijan, the flight crew, and other associates who were accompanying him have also passed away. I hereby declare five days of public mourning and offer my condolences to the dear Iranian nation.

According to Article 131 of the (Iranian) Constitution, Mr. Mokhber will assume the position of head of the Executive Branch and is obliged to cooperate with the heads of the Legislative and Judicial Branches in facilitating the election of a new president within a period that is not to exceed 50 days. Finally, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the honorable mother of Mr. Raisi, his virtuous, noble wife, the other bereaved family members of the President, and the honorable families of his entourage, in particular the hard-working father of Mr. Ale-Hashem. I pray for their patience and solace, and pray for God’s mercy for the departed souls.

Sayyid Ali Khamenei

May 20, 2024”

The tragic accident happened as the president and his entourage were returning from Khoda Afarin region in Iran’s northwestern province of East Azarbaijan after inaugurating a dam at the common border with the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The crash killed President Raisi, Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian, Friday prayers leader of Tabriz Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem, Governor of East Azarbaijan Malek Rahmati, and members of the president’s security team and the crew.

The wreckage of the helicopter was found by rescue teams in the wee hours of Monday.