Imam Khamenei: The Iranian nation will disappoint the enemy on 22 Bahman

On the eve of 22 Bahman and the 47th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Imam Khamenei delivered a televised message addressed to the Iranian nation.

The text of the Leader of the Revolution’s message is as follows:

In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

February 11 (22 Bahman) each year is the day when the power and dignity of the Iranian nation are manifested—a nation that, thanks be to God, is motivated, determined, steadfast, appreciative, and aware of its own interests and harms. On that first 22 Bahman, the Iranian nation achieved a great victory. It succeeded in saving itself and its country from foreign interference. Those foreign powers have, throughout these years, always sought to restore the former situation.

The Iranian nation stands firm. The symbol of this steadfastness is the day of 22 Bahman. This march is unparalleled in the world. Nowhere else do we see a nation, many years after its independence, commemorating its national day annually with such massive crowds across the entire country. Today, the Iranian nation shows itself through marches in the streets and forces those who covet Islamic Iran, the Islamic Republic, and the interests of this nation to retreat.

National power is linked more to the will and resilience of nations than to missiles and aircraft. You have shown your resilience and determination, thanks be to God. Show it again in various arenas. Disappoint the enemy. As long as the enemy is not disappointed, a nation remains exposed to harm and pressure. The enemy must be made to despair.

The enemy’s despair lies in your unity, the strength of your thought and will, your motivation, and your resistance against the enemy’s temptations. These constitute national power.

God willing, our youth will advance further in various fields—science, action, piety and ethics, material and spiritual progress—and create pride for the country. The day of 22 Bahman is the manifestation of all this, when everyone takes to the streets, chants slogans, expresses truths, declares their unity, and reaffirms their loyalty to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

We hope, God willing, that this year’s 22 Bahman, like all previous ones, will further enhance the grandeur of the Iranian nation, increase its glory, and compel other nations, governments, and powers to bow in humility before the Iranian people—and so it shall be, God willing.

Peace and God’s mercy and blessings be upon you.