Imam Khamenei (H)’s response to a question:
What is the main reason for America’s enmity toward the Iranian nation?
Imam Khamenei (H), this morning at the mourning ceremony for the martyrdom of Imam Reza (A) in the presence of various segments of the people, said: A question arises here. Why is America hostile toward Iran? At first glance, this question seems simple, but it is actually complex.
The answer is important and complex. This enmity is not new. For 45 years, U.S. governments, through various individuals, groups, and parties that have come to power, have maintained the same hostility, the same sanctions, and the same threats toward the Islamic Republic and the dear nation of Iran. What is the reason?
In the past, this reason was concealed under different titles such as terrorism, human rights, women’s issues, democracy, or if it was mentioned, it was expressed politely, saying “we want Iran’s behavior to change.” That was how they spoke in the past.
The current U.S. leader has revealed the matter and clarified the true objective. He said, “Our confrontation with Iran, with the Iranian nation, is so that Iran becomes obedient to the United States.” We, the Iranian nation, must understand this correctly. It is an important matter. Of course, his wording may slightly differ from mine. For example, he may have said “be compliant” or “Iran should obey,” but the meaning is clear.
That is, a government or power in the world has emerged that expects Iran, with its history, its dignity, and its proud nation, to be obedient to it. This is the root cause of the enmity.
Further extract from the Imam’s speech:
Today, our enemy, the one confronting us, is the Zionist regime, the most hated regime in the world, the most despised government. Peoples around the world are disgusted with it and hate it, and even governments condemn it. Even Western leaders, who have historically supported the Zionist regime, today condemn it. Of course, this is a verbal condemnation.
Mere words are insufficient; the crimes being committed by the heads of the Zionist regime today, in my view, are unprecedented in history. Killing children through hunger and thirst, letting them starve, is unparalleled.
Children who come seeking food are being shot at. To the best of my knowledge, such a thing has never occurred in history. These actions have disgusted the nations. We must stand against this; standing against it cannot be limited to words.
Governments may say they oppose it, they may condemn it: France, the UK, and others have condemned it, but words alone are useless. All channels of aid to the Zionist regime must be blocked entirely.
What the brave people of Yemen are doing today is correct. In response to the crimes committed by the leaders of the Zionist regime, there is no alternative except to block all aid to them from every direction completely.
Of course, we are fully prepared to do anything possible for the Islamic Republic. God willing, may He bless the movement of the Iranian nation and the advocates of justice worldwide and eradicate this deep, deadly cancer from the scene.