He made the remarks on Wednesday in a meeting with thousands of Basij volunteer forces on the occasion of Basij Week.
Ayatollah Khamenei described people’s rallies in condemnation of violence during recent days across the country as a ‘magnificent move’ adding, “the Iranian nation proved once again how powerful it is.”
Enemies had spent a considerable sum of money to organize this ‘very deep extended plot’ and thought that they could use the issue of gasoline as an opportunity “but this move was foiled by the people.”
Following the revision of gasoline price in the country last week, peaceful protests erupted in a number of cities which turned violent in some occasions, inflicting damages to public property. Meanwhile, Iranian people came to streets during recent days to condemn the violent actions of hooligans and voice support for the Establishment.
“Police, Basij, and IRGC entered the field and carried out their duties in a tough encounter but the move done by the Iranian nation during this week is above and more important than anything else,” said the Leader.
“That main enemy, i.e. the Global Arrogance, that are sitting behind monitors, understand the people’s move. They received a slap in the face and are forced to withdraw.”
"The system of domination is against freedom. The biggest freedom is a nation’s freedom and independence, which they are against. They enter via colonialism, then via Neocolonialism, today using new methods, soft war, and if they can and find it necessary using military force without hesitation."
Ayatollah Khamenei said the show of national will in the face of the adversarial drive was to be valued higher than the measures taken by Basij, the IRGC, and the Law Enforcement Force to contain the violence.
The Leader described the great national movement, which began in the northwestern cities of Zanjan and Tabriz, and even reached some rural areas before culminating in Tehran, as “a slap” dealt to the global arrogance and Zionism, forcing them to retreat.
The nation’s main enemies comprehend the meaning and message conveyed by the national drive, the Leader stated. “This past week truly witnessed the height of the Iranian nation’s glory and magnificence. We are grateful towards God and are thankful towards the dear people, too,” Ayatollah Khamenei noted.
The Leader said the hegemonic system and the US have expended all in their power since the Islamic Revolution to confront Iran’s Islamic establishment.
The establishment, however, has grown in power and strength every day and come to flaunt these qualities before the enemy’s eyes, Ayatollah Khamenei added.
The Leader warned that expansive and magnificent institutions such as Basij in Iran and its kindred organizations in some other countries were more likely to be targeted by the global hegemony's adversarial plots.
“Victory is guaranteed for the Iranian people, Basij, and the country’s revolutionary movement,” the Leader stated, citing the divine pledge of assistance to those following the divine path.
MNA/4782331
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