TEHRAN – Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei met with thousands of people from various walks of life to mark the auspicious Eid al-Mab'ath on Saturday. 

After addressing the religious occasion, the Leader expounded on the dimensions of the recent riots and the Islamic Republic’s stance towards the American architects and instigators of this plot. Honoring the people’s historic participation on January 12, he emphasized: "The Iranian nation broke the back of this plot [completely defeated it], but it is essential to fully comprehend the nature, objectives, and 'trained' and 'manipulated' agents behind it."

He characterized the nature of the recent sedition—which was quelled by the "nation, competent officials, and skilled personnel"—as American.

Explaining the principal objective of the Americans in their various plots, he stated: "The enduring goal and policy of the U.S.—not only of its current president—is to devour Iran and restore its military, political, and economic dominance over our country; because a nation of this expanse, population, capabilities, and scientific and technological advancements, located in such an important geographical location, is intolerable to them."

Ayatollah Khamenei noted that the level of intervention by Western officials in previous seditions and unrests was usually limited to media elements and second-tier politicians, adding: "However, the distinctive feature of this recent sedition [and plot] was that the U.S. President personally intervened in it, spoke, made threats, and by encouraging the rioters, sent them the message to move forward, to not be afraid, and that they [the U.S.] would provide them with military support."

The Leader described the statements of the U.S. President—who referred to the destructive rioters and murderers as the Iranian nation—as a great slander against the people, stating: "The U.S. President openly encouraged the rioters, and behind the scenes, the U.S. and the Zionist regime provided them with assistance; therefore, we consider the U.S. President a criminal, both for the casualties and damage, and for the slander he levelled against the Iranian nation."

In explaining the nature of the field agents involved in the sedition, the Leader stated: "The active agents on the scene fell into two categories. The first category was those meticulously selected by the intelligence agencies of the U.S. and the Zionist regime, who, in addition to receiving substantial funds, were given specialized training. A significant number of these evil and criminal elements have been apprehended thanks to the effective work of our law enforcement and security forces."

Ayatollah Khamenei identified the second category of field agents as teenagers and youths influenced by the first group, adding: "This group had no connection to the Zionist regime or its intelligence services; they were rather naive individuals whom the ringleaders manipulated. By inciting agitation, they were led into committing mischief."

The Leader continued: "These were the foot soldiers, and their mission was to attack homes, offices, and industrial centres. Unfortunately, 'ignorant and unaware agents,' under the leadership of 'malicious and trained agents,' carried out many evil deeds and major crimes, including the destruction of 250 mosques, the ruin of over 250 educational and scientific centres, and damage to power industry facilities, banks, medical complexes, and grocery stores. By harming the people, they killed several thousand of them [the people]."

Referring to inhuman and brutal acts such as trapping and burning alive a number of youths in a mosque or killing a three-year-old girl and defenseless, innocent men and women, the Leader underscored: "These actions were part of the sedition's pre-prepared blueprint. They were equipped with cold weapons, as well as firearms that had been smuggled into the country from abroad and distributed among the seditionist elements to carry out such atrocities."

Ayatollah Khamenei, emphasizing that the Iranian nation broke the back of the sedition and riot, stated: "With its million-strong participation on January 12, the Iranian nation turned this day into a historic one in the book of its abundant honors and, by landing a powerful blow on the mouths of the boastful claimants, extinguished the sedition."

He described the defeat of the U.S. at the hands of the Iranian nation in the recent sedition as a continuation of the defeat of the U.S. and the Zionist in the 12-Day War, stating: "They launched this sedition with extensive preparations for larger actions, but of course, the nation extinguished the sedition. This, however, is not sufficient, and the US must be held accountable for its actions."

Ayatollah Khamenei directed the relevant state bodies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to pursue the recent crimes of the U.S., noting: "We will not lead the country into war, but we will not let go of the domestic criminals and—more importantly—the international criminals. This matter must be pursued using our own methods and the correct approach."

The Leader emphasized: "With divine grace, just as the Iranian nation broke the back of the sedition, it must also break the back of the seditionists [instigators of the sedition]."

In conclusion of his speech, alluding to the constant self-sacrifice and dedication of the officials and the law enforcement, security, IRGC, and Basij forces in the victorious battle against the American-Zionist sedition, he added: "All the country's officials cooperated, and the nation settled the matter decisively and, through its unity, conclusively ended it."

Ayatollah Khamenei, referring to the people's economic and living conditions, stressed the need for greater effort from officials, stating: "The economic situation is not good, and the people's livelihood is truly difficult. Government officials must work with greater intensity—doubling their usual efforts—in some sectors, such as 'supplying essential goods and livestock inputs' and providing the people's needed commodities, for if the people and officials properly fulfil their duties, the Almighty will surely bless this endeavour."

Ayatollah Khamenei, reiterating his constant advice regarding preserving unity among the nation, stated: "Factional and political disputes must not spread among the people. Everyone must stand together, side by side, as one, in defending the Islamic system and beloved Iran."