Analysis: How Leader outlined Iran’s priorities for new year in Nowruz speech

By Alireza Akbari

On Friday morning, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei addressed a gathering of people and government officials at an event, marking the beginning of the new Iranian calendar year.

In his New Year speech, which began at 10 AM, Ayatollah Khamenei covered a range of topics, including key events from the past year, this year's slogan, recent political developments, and regional issues concerning the Axis of Resistance.

He offered invaluable guidance to the Iranian people, government officials and institutions, highlighting issues related to both domestic affairs and foreign policy of the country.

Leader congratulated the nation on the new year, 1404, noting that this year's Nowruz celebrations hold heightened spiritual significance due to their concurrence with the holy month of Ramadan and the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Ali (AS).

He emphasized that Iranians regard Nowruz as a deeply spiritual occasion, which begins each year with solemn prayers.

Ayatollah Khamenei said despite hostile enemy propaganda aimed at distancing Iranians from spirituality, such efforts have failed. Instead, there has been a growing inclination among Iranians toward spirituality and a deepening devotion to the Ahl al-Bayt, the holy progeny of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).

Leader of the Islamic Revolution described Imam Ali (AS) as the pinnacle of justice, piety, and forgiveness, urging Muslim nations to draw lessons from his life by studying Nahj al-Balagha, the collection of sayings and sermons of the first Shiite Imam.

He specifically called on the country's cultural officials and institutions to give special attention to this significant text.

Discussing the power of prayer, Leader of the Islamic Revolution emphasized that young people, through prayer, have the ability not only to shape their own destinies but also to influence the fate of an entire nation.

He affirmed that prayers are heard and answered, calling prayer a pathway to success in this life and the life hereafter.

Referring to Prophet Moses' confrontation with Pharaoh, Ayatollah Khamenei recounted that God instructed Moses to stand firm, ultimately leading to the triumph of truth despite the seemingly impossible battle between blood and swords.

He drew a parallel to contemporary struggles between truth and falsehood, stressing that while truth ultimately prevails, victory comes at the cost of sacrifice.

He referenced the eight-year Sacred Defense, acknowledging the global recognition of Iran’s victory while also highlighting the heavy price paid in the form of martyrdom.

In the second part of his speech, Leader praised the Iranian nation's patience, resilience, courage, and bravery in the face of the past year’s challenges.

He also pointed to the remarkable public turnout during the funeral procession of the late President Ebrahim Raeisi, who was martyred in a plane crash in April, underscoring the nation’s unity and strength.

Ayatollah Khamenei described the congregational Friday prayers of October 4, 2024, as a historic event, emphasizing that despite threats from adversaries attempting to intimidate the public, the Iranian people turned out in large numbers to participate.

This Friday prayer, led by Leader of the Islamic Revolution himself, saw enthusiastic public attendance. It took place amid aggression by the occupying regime against Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen, following the assassination of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and several other Hezbollah leaders and commanders.

He also commended the relevant authorities for holding presidential elections on time within 50 days as well as the formation of a new government as a testament to the people's active presence.

President Ebrahim Raeisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian were martyred in a helicopter crash in northwestern Iran on May 20, 2024, which was followed by massive funeral processions attended by millions in Tehran, Tabriz, and Mashhad.

Subsequently, the 14th presidential election was held on July 5, 2024, resulting in Masoud Pezeshkian being elected as the new president, succeeding Martyr Raeisi.

Ayatollah Khamenei further pointed to the overwhelming public participation in the February 10 rallies marking the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution as another powerful demonstration of the Iranian nation's presence on the national stage.

During these rallies, people across Iran carried flags of the Islamic Republic and the Palestinian and Lebanese resistance groups, expressing unified support for the Islamic Republic while chanting slogans against the US and the Israeli regime.

Ayatollah Khamenei pointed out that despite economic hardships, the people's strong presence reflected their continued commitment and support for the Islamic Republic, significantly influencing enemy perceptions.

Leader also highlighted the Iranian people's active role in the development, reconstruction, and progress of the country, noting their dynamism and enthusiasm in these fields.

Referring to recent years’ slogans, such as Production Leap, and the importance of public participation in production activities, he stressed the critical role of domestic production in improving people's livelihoods.

He emphasized that production requires investment, not foreign investment, but rather the proper utilization of the liquidity currently in the hands of the people.

“This liquidity can be directed toward the country’s progress and boosting production,” the Leader stated in his annual address.

He added that people, officials, and entrepreneurs all must contribute to production, even on a small scale, in line with their capabilities.

Discussing the government's role in achieving this year’s objectives, the Leader stated, “The government’s responsibility is to create suitable conditions and plan effectively to achieve this goal.”

Addressing regulatory institutions of the country, he stressed that investment security is crucial, urging authorities to maintain stable laws and regulations to ensure investor confidence.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution further identified streamlining investment procedures as another critical responsibility of officials, emphasizing the need to “reduce intermediaries.”

He also warned that simultaneously importing goods already produced domestically harms local industries.

Calling on government bodies to clearly outline employment opportunities to the public, he reiterated that strengthening domestic production remains one of the most fundamental solutions to improving people's livelihoods.

In the concluding part of his speech, addressing American politicians, Ayatollah Khamenei warned that the US would achieve nothing through threats against Iran.

"If they commit any malicious act against Iran, they will receive a hard slap," he stated.

He also criticized American policymakers for their miscalculations in the region, rejecting the notion that resistance movements operate as proxies of the Islamic Republic.

"The Islamic Republic does not need proxies," he stressed, adding that it was the motivation of the Yemeni people themselves that led them to stand against the hostility and malicious actions of the Zionist regime.

Ayatollah Khamenei pointed to widespread protests against the Zionist regime, stating, “This regime has caused deep suffering for many nations, yet Western officials refuse to acknowledge these demonstrations.”

He also referenced the growing Pro-Palestine advocacy in American universities, criticizing the Trump administration's threat to cut funding.

Trump administration threatened to withhold federal funding from universities, including Columbia University, in response to pro-Palestinian protests on campus.

Ayatollah Khamenei concluded by reaffirming the Islamic Republic’s support for Palestinian and Lebanese resistance fighters, stating that Iran has never been the initiator of conflict but is ready for any eventuality.

He warned that “if any malicious actions are taken against the Islamic Republic, they will receive a hard slap.”

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