Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei instructed those in charge Friday to take "decisive" measures to meet people's economic demands and help thwart enemy plots aimed at mounting financial pressure on the masses.
"Today, the enemies' main aim is to put economic pressure on the masses in order to sap their energy and undermine their hopes," he said in a speech in Tehran marking Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, his official website reported.
The Leader called on the people and authorities to remain "united" and "vigilant" in the face of hostile attempts, saying that collective efforts are crucial and necessary to help improve the economy.
There has been growing discontent among the people over the handling of the economy. Many are anxious about what lies ahead given the prospect of renewed sanctions after US President Donald Trump pulled out of an international Iran nuclear deal in May.
"A central committee comprising the heads of the three branches of government and economic experts has been formed to look into the economic conditions. The committee will closely monitor economic issues, take decisive decisions and implement them," Ayatollah Khamenei told the Eid congregation.
Curbing Imports
One of the key steps toward insulating the economy from sanctions and hostile foreign powers is to cut imports, he said, adding that products that can and are being produced inside the country should not be imported.
He underlined the need for officials to have a stronger belief in national capabilities, redouble their efforts to draw on the ability and potential of the youth, fight corruption, better manage resources, direct "liquidity" to the manufacturing sector and remove obstacles to augmenting domestic production.
The Leader said the people should improve their consumption patterns and work hand in hand with authorities to disappoint the hostile powers.
He criticized the local media for "repeating the enemies' statements," which he said only helps advance their agenda of spreading propaganda against Iran and their policy of psychological warfare.
"All should strive to help preserve unity and stop slandering each other," Ayatollah Khamenei added.
Palestinian Referendum
Later on Friday, the Leader held a meeting with state officials and ambassadors of Muslim countries in Tehran, in which he reiterated Iran's call for a referendum among "all real Palestinians, including Muslims, Jews and Christians." Such a move would lead to the establishment of a Palestinian government, he said, adding that it will eventually translate into the destruction of the "fake" regime of Israel in the not too distant future.
Seeds of Discord
"One of main objectives pursued through the establishment of this regime was to sow discord and create problems for Muslim nations. But experience shows that the Zionist regime, which has a problem of legitimacy, will not last long," Ayatollah Khamenei told the foreign diplomats.
He called on all Muslim governments to maintain their unity and stand against the bullying by hostile western powers.
