Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and a number of senior officials visited the mausoleum of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in southern Tehran on Wednesday to renew their allegiance to the ideals of the late founder of Islamic Republic ahead of the anniversary of the 1979 revolution.
President Hassan Rouhani and his Cabinet were among high-ranking officials who paid tribute to Ayatollah Khomeini.
Iran honors the Islamic Revolution’s anniversary with celebrations that commemorate Imam Khomeini’s return from exile on Feb. 1, 1979, and last until Feb. 11, which marks the anniversary of the revolution in the same year.
In a speech during the event, the president said neither the United States nor any other world power will be able to undermine Iran’s status, as long as it holds onto the values cherished by the founder of the Islamic Republic, his website reported.
Washington and Tehran have been at loggerheads since the revolution, which saw the US-backed Persian monarchy of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi replaced by the Islamic Republic.
Tensions have spiked between the two countries since May, when US President Donald Trump abandoned a 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and major powers and reimposed sanctions that had been lifted under the pact.
Toughest Sanctions
Rouhani said the country is under the “toughest economic sanctions and pressure” in 40 years but vowed that Iranians will emerge victorious from the economic war waged by the US through unity.
“Just as the United States has been defeated in its political, legal, international, regional and psychological confrontations with Iran, it will definitely suffer a defeat in it economic warfare campaign due to people’s resistance and perseverance,” he said.
“Just as the United States has been defeated in its political, legal, international, regional and psychological confrontations with Iran, it will definitely suffer a defeat in it economic warfare campaign due to people’s resistance and perseverance,” the president says
He also said it is wrong to blame the government, rather than the enemies, for the challenges facing the country.
“Today, our problems are mainly because of pressure from America and its lackeys so we should not blame the dutiful government and the Islamic establishment instead of condemning the enemies,” he added.
The president called on the nation to remain united against the US and its supporters and help the country overcome difficulties.
In his remarks, Rouhani hailed the nuclear deal as Iran’s “biggest political achievement” in recent decades and said the many positive benefits of nuclear negotiations with world powers can never be reversed.
The Leader and other officials also paid homage to the martyrs laid to rest in Behesht-e Zahra Cemetery in southern Tehran, including the martyrs of 7th of Tir bombing.
On that day, which coincided with June 28, 1981, a powerful bomb exploded at the headquarters of the Islamic Republic Party in Tehran while members were in a meeting, killing 72 officials, including Chief Justice Ayatollah Mohammad Beheshti, four ministers, 27 members of parliament and several government officials.
