Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei called on the government to channel funds into domestic production to help boost national development and render any economic sanctions ineffective.
"Relevant authorities are to help speed up national development by directing funds to industrial and agricultural sectors to encourage production and deal with economic recession and prove our foes that sanctions have been futile," the Leader was quoted as saying by IRNA.
The Leader was speaking in a meeting with commanders and personnel of the Air Force on Monday, days ahead of the 37th anniversary of the Feb. 11, 1979, Islamic Revolution.
Pointing to the country's large educated workforce and rich natural resources, Ayatollah Khamenei instructed officials to "capitalize on these advantages to bolster the economy so as to deter the enemy from using economic pressure to dictate its demands."
"[This] is key to tackling youth unemployment and other economic problems as well," he said.
The Leader called for a huge public turnout in Thursday's rallies that are held annually to commemorate the Islamic Revolution.
"The majority of those who have attended the rallies in recent years are too young and were not around to experience the days leading to the Feb. 11, 1979, revolution firsthand and this constant presence reflects the self-regenerative power of the revolution," he said.
Stressing the importance of this month's parliamentary elections, which is scheduled to run alongside the Assembly of Experts vote on Feb. 26, Ayatollah Khamenei said the people's strong participation would thwart plots by hostile powers to undermine the Islamic Republic.
"The dignity and honor of the country and the nation are tied to our commitment to carry out our responsibilities toward the revolution, the most important of which is participating in elections," he said.
