Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said the US threats of sanctions against Iran have been prompted by the Islamic Republic's stance against the excessive American ambitions in the region.
"The vigilance of the Iranian and other Muslim nations against the corrupt moves of these powers has been the main cause of their anger," Ayatollah Khamenei was quoted as saying by his official website.
"That is why Iran is threatened with sanctions. It is because of its opposition to the US policies in the region; because they consider the Islamic Republic as an obstacle to their ambitious and excessive policies in the region."
The Leader was speaking in a meeting with Iranian officials and ambassadors of Muslim states in Tehran on Thursday, on the occasion of Eid al-Mab'ath, which marks the anniversary of the appointment of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to prophethood.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran has never initiated any war and military action against any country, but it has declared its stances manifestly and it will continue to do so," he said.
Emphasizing that the domination of the front of paganism and devilish powers will result in "rebellion", Ayatollah Khamenei said, "The currents of paganism and diabolism killed hundreds of thousands of humans in Hiroshima by an atomic bomb, but after so many years they are still refusing to apologize and are destroying the infrastructures in Iraq and Afghanistan and other countries without showing any sign of remorse."
Muslims' Main Task
The Leader stressed that the most important task of the Muslim community is to counter the currents of paganism led by the United States.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran, as the harbinger of the current of ordainment, will push ahead with its movement without being intimidated by powers," he said.
Stressing that lust, wrath and carnal desires are the outstanding features of paganism, Ayatollah Khamenei said, "The result of the performance of the front of paganism has always been suffering, hardship and humiliation for mankind and carnage of millions of human beings and pillage of resources of nations and corruption, manifested clearly in the two world wars."
The Leader said the nations being trampled upon under the boots of colonialist powers is another clear example of the performance of the current of paganism.
"The wars and seditions underway today in West Asia are also the result of the performance of the front of paganism and evil," he said.
Ayatollah Khamenei noted that countering the rule of the corrupt Zionist agenda promoted by Israel has been the root of massive movements by Muslim nations and Iran.
"On this basis, fighting Islam, Iran and Shiaism has become the definite policies of the US and its allied governments," he said.
Referring to expansion of Islamic movements despite the existence of the pagans' fight against Islam, the Leader said, "The Islamic movement, which has become stronger and deeper after the establishment of the Islamic Republic in Iran, will continue its path and it will definitely emerge triumphant."
Ayatollah Khamenei underscored the necessity of trusting God and not fearing conspiracies and threats of powers by saying, "Today, the entire Islamic Ummah, including people, elites and officials, shoulder responsibilities vis-à-vis the Islamic movement and in countering the current of paganism."
"If they carry out these tasks, they will benefit from divine rewards. And the Islamic movement will not stop and will continue its path [even if] some refuse to fulfill their tasks, because the victory of Islam and Muslims is a foregone conclusion."
