National Power Rests More on Will and Resistance than Missiles

In a televised message issued on Monday ahead of the nationwide demonstrations marking the anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Khamenei described Bahman 22nd as the annual manifestation of the Iranian nation’s power and dignity. The Leader said the Iranian people are motivated, determined, steadfast, appreciative, and fully aware of their own interests and dangers.

The Leader recalled that in 1979, the Iranian nation achieved a major victory by freeing itself and the country from foreign interference, adding that foreign powers have since continuously sought to restore the previous situation. He underlined that the Iranian nation remains standing, noting that the February 11 rallies are the clearest symbol of this steadfastness.

Ayatollah Khamenei described the nationwide marches as unparalleled in the world, saying that nowhere else can such massive crowds be seen taking to the streets every year, decades after independence, to mark a national day. The Leader said the presence of people in the streets demonstrates the nation’s strength and compels those who harbor ambitions toward Iran, the Islamic Republic, and the interests of the Iranian people to retreat.

The Leader emphasized that national power has more to do with the will and resistance of nations than with military equipment, saying the Iranian people have already shown their steadfastness and determination and should continue to do so in various situations. Ayatollah Khamenei stressed the need to disappoint the enemy, warning that as long as the enemy is not rendered hopeless, a nation remains exposed to pressure and harm.

Disappointing the enemy is achieved through national unity, strong thinking and resolve, motivation, and resistance against enemy temptations, the Leader underlined, noting that these elements together constitute national power. Ayatollah Khamenei expressed hope that Iranian youth would advance further in the fields of science, action, piety and ethics, as well as material and spiritual progress, creating pride for the country.

The Leader said the February 11 rallies symbolize all of these qualities, as people appear in the streets, chant slogans, express realities, demonstrate solidarity, and declare their loyalty to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Ayatollah Khamenei finally expressed hope that this year’s Bahman 22nd would, like previous years, further enhance the grandeur of the Iranian nation and lead other nations, governments, and powers to show humility before the Iranian people.