Leader: Iran’s main confrontation is with global hegemony, not a bunch of rioters

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says Iran’s battle is not with a group of rioters who have recently wreaked havoc in the country, adding “the main confrontation is with the global hegemony”.

“These few people are either oblivious, ignorant, or mercenaries,” the Leader said in a meeting with a group of members of Basij volunteer force in the capital Tehran on Saturday.

Ayatollah Khamenei said the recent riots are part of the West’s pressure on Iran to compromise on its rights in negotiations, including with the US, which have deadlocked over Washington’s lack of commitment.

“A group of people who claim to be politically knowledgeable, but whose analyses in newspapers and virtual space really sadden one, state that in order to end these riots, you should solve your problems with America.”

“Negotiation will not solve our problems with America. Only one thing would solve our problem with America and that is paying ransom to America, but not just one ransom, they are demanding permanent ransom,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.

“We are even told to listen to the voice of nation. Didn’t you hear the sonorous voice of the nation during the November 4 rallies [on the National Day against the Global Arrogance] then? Today, the funeral processions of martyrs project the voice of the Iranian nation. Many Iranians held rallies and participated in the funerals in Karaj, Isfahan and Shiraz,” the Leader said.

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution also noted that Tehran has at times engaged in talks with the United States, but Washington has refused to remove sanctions against the Islamic Republic and has kept them in effect.

He underscored that the United States has spent billions of dollars as part of a plot to harm Iran, adding that future deals that Washington and its European allies are seeking to strike with Iran are meant to strip the Islamic Republic of its defensive military might and prowess.

The Leader also said that Western colonial powers have set their eyes on the West Asia due to its rich energy resources, noting the occupying Israeli regime serves as the main base for Westerners to exert dominance and hegemony over the region.

“Iran is the most important country of the region. The 1979 Islamic Revolution tipped the balance against colonial policies, and formed a bulwark against presence of arrogant powers. Our revolution won the hearts and minds of regional peoples,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Leader said the US tried to topple the Syrian government because it is an ally of Iran, noting that Lebanon, Libya, Sudan and Somalia have on occasions been targeted because of their pro-Iran stances.

Ayatollah Khamenei also said that the country’s Basij volunteer force is one of the best initiatives of the late Founder of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini, describing the group as a school of passion and spirituality.

“Basij should be present in all scenes and spheres. It is not a military force per se, it is a body to serve people without any expectations. Basij forces have been successful on scientific front, and our prominent nuclear scientists were members of the force indeed,” the Leader added.

Ayatollah Khamenei underscored that members of Basij force sacrifice themselves to serve people, and they have fought vandals, lost lives and sustained injuries during the recent foreign-sponsored riots.

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution also called on state officials to keep a watchful eye on unfolding developments, stressing that enemies are trying to dominate minds and influence the world public opinion through spreading lies and fake news.