Iran’s Leader made the remarks on Monday during a meeting with a number of workers from across the country ahead of the International Workers’ Day on May 1.
“Today, the war room against us is the US Department of Treasury,” he said. “One way of confrontation with the Islamic Republic establishment is an economic one; another way is the provocation of certain dim-witted and ignorant states in our region [against us].”
Ayatollah Khamenei went on to add, “the Americans provoke Saudis into creating conflict and tension in the region. Why don’t they go after the Zionists? Because they want to wage a war between Muslims.”
“Their plan is to arm and prepare these countries for confrontation with the Islamic Republic,” he said. “If these countries have any common sense, they will not engage in a conflict with Iran. But if they decide to confront Iran, they will face a decisive defeat.”
“The [Americans] seek to shift onto others the costs of confrontation with the Islamic Republic establishment and the powerful Iranian nation,” he said. “What Washington does best is cause insecurity. Everywhere they have set foot in, they caused insecurity and brought misfortune for the people.”
He went on to add, “that is why the US’ presence in West Asia needs to be cut off. It is them that need to leave not the Islamic Republic. We are from here; the Persian Gulf is our home; West Asia is our home.”
Elsewhere in his remarks, the Leader noted his visit to an exhibition of Iranian products on Sunday, saying “the Iranian products are valuable because of their high quality; despite all the difficulties we face: the sanctions that prevent importation of raw materials and machinery, and all different types of problems that the tyrants create for us; despite all of these troubles, the Iranian products have great advantages.”
Ayatollah Khamenei further reminded his audience: “Yesterday, tens of companies, displayed their products, made by your hands. We could see all types of products, including ready to wear shoes and clothes, household goods, stationery, china and crystal tableware, medicines, cosmetics, furniture, electrical items, everything! They were all distinguished, high-quality products. It actually makes one bow in respect to the Iranian workforce.”
The Leader of the Revolution continued, “today the workers mentioned some problems; some of these problems are related to the entrepreneurs, some related to the workers: these problems must be solved. Actions must be taken, thoroughly and seriously, to resolve these problems. When Iranian products are supported, when the work of the Iranian worker is valued, then we wouldn’t see a factory using only one-third of its capacity.”
He also added, “when we say supporting the Iranian products, it means that jobs must be created. It means that we should not have an unemployed worker. It means that the educated youth should not look for office jobs only.”
The Leader further called on the government to stop excessive imports and smuggling of goods.
MS/4284843