TEHRAN- In a meeting with a large number of commanders and staff members from Iran’s Army Air Force and Air Defense Force on Monday, the Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei stressed the important role elites in the Islamic countries can play to help the people of Gaza by creating a public demand in their own countries to cut economic ties with the Zionist regime.

According to the Khamenei.ir, the meeting took place in the Imam Khomeini Hussainiyah and on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the significant pledge of allegiance made by Air Force commanders to Imam Khomeini in 1979.

During his speech, the Leader explained the catalyzing role of the elites and the distinguished figures, underlining that these individuals have heavy responsibilities in creating the necessary acceleration to achieve the goals of the Revolution.

Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized that the elites and the people of influence are the true catalysts of significant and purposeful social movements. 

He defined such individuals as those who, across all segments and levels of society, demonstrate wisdom, knowledge, and discernment. These distinguished figures, he added, fulfill their duties boldly and punctually without blindly following others.

Ayatollah Khamenei described some of the core attractions of the Islamic Revolution, which include the fight against oppression and oppressors, standing up to the global aggressors, and paying attention to the people and the future of the country, while giving full attention to spirituality as the basis for new advancements. 

“Despite these inherent attractions, the Revolution and the country need facilitators so that we won't become slow and lazy when undertaking major tasks,” he said.

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution also added, “Any individual among the academics, students, politicians, clerics, businesspersons, journalists, soldiers, and any other group that takes action while having an understanding of different matters and recognizing who are friends and who are enemies, is considered to be one of the elite.”

Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized that the enemy intends to hamper the elite's efforts by ensnaring them in doubts, indecisiveness, and worldly pleasures, preventing them from taking the necessary actions and fulfilling their facilitating role in critical moments and when it is necessary to act.

In the face of their scheme, he considers it to be the duty of the elite to engage in the jihad of clarification and to nullify the doubts and uncertainties created by the ill-wishers.

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution says it is the responsibility of the elite to clearly state the truth without any ambiguity. Furthermore, he said, “Today, the issue of Gaza is a serious matter, and the elite of the Islamic world, including scholars, scientists, politicians, and the media can play a significant role here.”

Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized the need for the elite to highlight the connection between the human tragedies in Gaza and the U.S. support of the Zionist regime. 

He stressed that it is crucial for them to inform the public and encourage Muslim nations to demand that their governments strike a strong blow to the Zionist regime. “A strong blow does not mean entering a war. Rather, it means cutting economic relations with the Zionist regime,” he explained.

The Leader emphasized that nations possess the power to dismantle governments and compel them to withdraw their backing for the Zionist regime. "Even though this cruel and wolf-like regime has taken the lives of women, children, and the sick, and killed well over 20,000 people, some Islamic countries still provide it with economic aid. There are even reports suggesting that certain countries are supplying the Zionist regime with weapons."

In another segment of his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei acknowledged the remarkable incident that occurred on February 8, 1979, when the Iranian Air Force personnel pledged their allegiance to Imam Khomeini. 

He regarded this event as being of immense significance, while carrying infinite lessons and teachings. "The Air Force took the lead in joining the Revolution through self-sacrifice, sincerity and bravery and it played the very important role of acting as a catalyst in the victory of the Revolution on the 22nd of Bahman," he said.

The Leader recalled that during the Pahlavi era, the Iranian Air Force was completely in the possession of and under the control of the U.S. in terms of command, policies and equipment. 

"The religious and Revolutionary elements, with their self-sufficient voluntary efforts, removed the Air Force from the ownership of the United States and transformed it into a purely Iranian force," he added.

While pointing out that the 22nd of Bahman and the anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution is approaching, Ayatollah Khamenei stated, "In the same way that in the past 45 years, people have continuously taken to the streets in all cities and villages without a single pause to support their Revolution, and to obey and pledge their allegiance to the magnanimous Imam [Khomeini], God willing, our beloved people will once again participate fervently in the 22nd of Bahman rally this year as a demonstration of our national strength."