TEHRAN — Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has praised the Iranian people for their continued unity and resolve, saying the annual Bahman 22 rallies remain a powerful symbol of national independence and resistance to foreign pressure.
In a televised address marking the anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Khamenei described the 22nd of Bahman (February 11) as a moment when the strength and dignity of the Iranian nation are clearly displayed before the world.
He said the Iranian people continue to demonstrate awareness, determination, and gratitude, adding that the nation understands both its interests and the threats aimed against it.
According to the Leader, the Islamic Revolution enabled Iranians to regain control over their country after years of foreign interference. He noted that external powers have repeatedly tried to reverse the outcomes of the revolution, but their efforts have failed in the face of popular resistance.
“For decades, there have been attempts to restore the conditions that existed before the revolution,” he said, stressing that the consistent presence of the people on Bahman 22 proves those efforts have been unsuccessful.
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Ayatollah Khamenei pointed to the scale of nationwide participation in the anniversary rallies, saying such sustained public turnout is rare globally. He noted that few countries witness mass celebrations of independence across all regions year after year with such vitality.
The Leader said these demonstrations send a clear signal to those who seek to undermine Iran’s sovereignty, forcing hostile actors to reconsider their strategies and retreat from their ambitions.
He emphasized that a nation’s true strength lies not only in military capabilities, but more importantly in the collective will, unity, and perseverance of its people. According to him, national power is rooted in popular determination rather than weapons alone.
Ayatollah Khamenei called on Iranians to remain resilient in all fields, warning that as long as adversaries believe pressure can weaken Iran, they will continue their hostile actions. He said the country’s enemies must be left without hope of success.
He identified unity, clear vision, high morale, and resistance to internal and external temptations as the core pillars that protect the nation and neutralize hostile plots.
The Leader also expressed confidence in Iran’s younger generation, highlighting their progress in science, ethics, social responsibility, and spiritual growth. He said the Bahman 22 rallies reflect these achievements, as people from all backgrounds gather to express solidarity with the Islamic Republic.
“People come together, raise their voices, state realities, and demonstrate national cohesion,” he said.
Ayatollah Khamenei concluded by expressing hope that this year’s anniversary would further elevate Iran’s standing and reaffirm its independence in the face of external pressure, as it has done in previous years.
