Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said the Iranian nation will face hostilities so long as it carries the flag of Islam and stands by the Islamic government, stressing that the only solution is “resistance”.
“Our resistance against the demons’ plots and troubles will not cause us stagnation but will pave the way for a movement in the forward direction,” he said in a meeting with new members of the Expediency Council on Wednesday, Leader.ir reported.
Pointing to recent “scattered riots” in the country, he called on the members of the council, as influential people in resolving issues and foiling enemy plots, to give due attention and avoid inaction.
Different cities in Iran saw protests following the death of a young girl in police custody in late September, which gradually turned into violent clashes between rioters and security forces.
“In the recent events, the role and intervention of enemies was clear even to impartial foreign pundits,” the Leader said.
The incidents were not internal spontaneous developments and enemy measures such as propaganda, ideological influence, causing excitement, encouragement and even instructions for making flammable material were completely notable, he added.
Ayatollah Khamenei described the enemy schemes as “passive and reactive”, saying the Iranian nation’s great steps in a short period have forced them to react.
“In fact, the Iranian nation held the initiative and the enemy was forced to react amateurishly and foolishly and plan for causing turmoil,” he said.
The Leader once again highlighted the need for distinctive treatment of those who took to the streets, a group of which were enemy arms or acting in line with their goals while others were only excited individuals.
“With regard to the second group, cultural work is needed, but about the first group, judicial and security officials need to fulfil their duties,” he said.
The Leader finally cautioned the authorities not to allow these issues to distract them from their basic job.
“Great constructive and executive work, efficient lawmaking and judicial work, as well as important foreign policy issues must not be distracted by these trivial matters,” he said.
Correct Discretion
The Leader later addressed members of the Expediency Council, stressing that their main duty is to identify the interests of the country.
“Expediency is a top priority issue of the country … negligence of which could sometimes cause the defeat of Islam,” he said, stressing that correct discretion requires complete knowledge of the issue at hand.
Regarding the general policies of the country, he advised against extremism, saying those policies should determine up-to-date frameworks to direct laws and executive projects toward achieving goals.
“Some policies are lasting while others pertain to a certain period of time and need to be updated.”
Before the Leader’s remarks, Expediency Council Chairman Ayatollah Sadeq Larijani presented a report of the assembly’s past measures and future plans.
The Expediency Council is an administrative assembly tasked with resolving differences between parliament and the Guardian Council, but also holds advisory role to the Leader.
Its members of appointed by the Leader every five years.
