TEHRAN - Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has said the enemies are attempting to undermine the potential of the Islamic Republic of Iran to serve as a model for other countries.

The Leader made the remarks in Tehran on Thursday during a meeting with the members of the Assembly of Experts.
He said, “The global bullying powers are making efforts to undermine the model of the Islamic Republic in the eyes of other nations by using various direct and indirect methods, such as magnifying the weaknesses (of the country) and spreading lies (about Iran).”
He added that the enemies are trying to present a distorted image of the Islamic Republic and to discourage other nations from taking it as a successful model “because when the people find a model, they will follow it.”
The Leader also said that internal factors are highly influential in undermining the Islamic establishment.
“If the internal factors, such as shortcomings (of the establishment), indolence, disagreements, exceeding the limits, imprudence, and materialism are avoided, the external factor, which is the propaganda campaign launched against Iran by the enemies, will prove ineffective,” the Leader noted.
He also told the country’s officials and intellectuals to make serious efforts to resolve the internal issues.
Islamic awakening in Arab world inspired by Islamic Republic
Elsewhere in his remarks, the Leader commented on the popular movements in the Arab world and cited the people’s presence on the scene and the Islamic nature of the uprisings as the most important characteristics of these developments.
He also called the Islamic awakening in the Arab world a “great incident” and said it is inspired by the progress of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The nations’ resolve will not only overthrow the corrupt dictators who are dependent on the United States, but will also defeat the U.S. and the world’s other arrogant powers, he stated.
The Leader also emphasized the important responsibilities that Iranian officials shoulder at this sensitive juncture.
Atmosphere of vilification is detrimental to Islamic system
In addition, the Leader advised Iranian officials not to allow a climate of vilification to prevail in the country’s political scene.
“An atmosphere of slander and defamation is against Islam, the shariah (Islamic law), and political wisdom and arouses God’s anger,” he stated.
“Immoral and insulting behavior is not in the best interests of the Islamic Revolution and the country, creates discord, and deals a blow to the glory of the Islamic establishment,” the Leader added.