TEHRAN – Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Leader of the Islamic Revolution, delivered a speech after endorsing Masoud Pezeshkian as Iran’s president on Sunday, touching on a host of domestic and international issues. 

The Leader first took the time to thank the outgoing government for managing to hold Iran’s snap presidential elections without any complications. “Despite the atmosphere of public sorrow caused by the death of our martyred president, The 14th presidential election was admirable as it was a calm, healthy, competitive election, and rivals showed a moral behavior toward the president-elect after the elections,” he remarked.

Ayatollah Khamenei reflected on the emergence of democracy, competition, and integrity in the country as a direct outcome of the nation’s uprising and revolution in response to the dire conditions of the past. “From the very first day of the [Revolution’s] victory, Imam Khomeini (ra) resolutely established the unprecedented involvement, presence, and influence of the people in the administration of the country,” he added.

Elsewhere in his speech, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution referred to the issue of Gaza, describing it as a global matter. He emphasized, “There was a time when the subject of Palestine was solely a concern for Islamic countries. [But] today, the issue of Palestine and Gaza have become a general, global concern. From inside the US Congress to the United Nations, the Paris Olympics, and everywhere else, this issue is currently gaining attention and spreading [worldwide].”

Ayatollah Khamenei condemned the barbaric actions of the usurping Zionist regime, describing it as a gang of criminals, murderers, and terrorists. “The Zionist regime is not a government. They're a gang of criminals. They’re a gang of murderers. They’re a gang of terrorists. In their acts of terrorism, cruelty, and crime, they’ve reached a new level in their shocking crimes in the history of human criminality in the world,” he asserted.

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution highlighted the martyrdom of countless infants, children, hospital patients, and women in Gaza, stating, “The heavy bombs of the Zionists are being dropped on those who have not even fired a single bullet.”

In the continuation of his speech, Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized the necessity for the government to be active in various matters, particularly in foreign policy. “In the face of global waves and events, particularly regional issues and political matters, as well as scientific advancements like artificial intelligence, you need to confront these issues with an active, effective approach instead of reacting passively,” he stated.

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution emphasized that neglecting global and regional events is unacceptable, adding that, “Whenever something happens, we take a stance regarding it. We should express this position clearly, explicitly, and with strength and dignity so that the world understands what Islamic Iran has to say on the issue.”

He emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with countries that have shown solidarity and support to Iran, particularly in times of pressure, both diplomatically and economically.