TEHRAN - The martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, once made a memorable statement that reflected his strategic view of cyberspace: "If I were not the Leader of the Revolution today, I would certainly become the head of the country's cyberspace sector." This remark showed how important he believed cyberspace was in shaping the future of both Iran and the world.

According to his vision, cyberspace was not simply a collection of communication tools or digital technologies. He viewed it as a key arena that influences culture, the economy, education, security, science, media, public opinion, and people's lifestyles. He believed that the future of nations would increasingly be shaped in this digital environment.

The martyred Leader consistently described cyberspace as an opportunity to raise public awareness, strengthen insight, improve communication, promote scientific progress, and enhance the country's soft power. At the same time, he warned against leaving its management uncontrolled or allowing foreign powers to dominate its infrastructure and governance.

In his view, managing cyberspace did not mean limiting its opportunities. Instead, it meant protecting national independence, strengthening security, ensuring long-term stability, and making the best possible use of digital opportunities for the benefit of the people and the country.

He was also known for his forward-looking perspective on technological developments. Years before recent conflicts highlighted new digital threats, he warned about cognitive warfare, poor data governance, neglecting public opinion and users' needs, dependence on foreign digital infrastructure, and emerging cyber threats. He repeatedly stressed the importance of future studies, continuous monitoring, and long-term planning.

The late Leader believed that technology is truly valuable only when it serves humanity by strengthening families, protecting the mental well-being of young people, promoting public ethics, preserving cultural identity, and improving people's quality of life. From this perspective, technological progress without investment in human and cultural development could never be complete or sustainable.

He also described artificial intelligence as more than an emerging technology. In his view, AI is one of the most important elements of national power and a key factor in shaping the future of the world. He emphasized that Iran should not remain only a user or consumer of AI technologies. Instead, the country should rely on its scientists, universities, and research centers to develop the underlying technologies and infrastructure, because future global competition will depend on leadership in this field. He believed that technological dependence on AI could eventually lead to dependence in future national decision-making.

For this reason, he considered artificial intelligence a major opportunity to improve governance, increase efficiency, advance scientific research, strengthen national power, and safeguard Iran's future independence. He believed that active and innovative participation in this field is a shared responsibility for government officials, academics, researchers, and members of the country's technology ecosystem.

The late Leader also emphasized the close connection between scientific research, technological development, industry, innovation, and wealth creation. He believed that scientific strength would become lasting only if it helped solve real social challenges, supported strategic technologies, strengthened knowledge-based companies, increased domestic production, and created economic value through knowledge.

For this reason, supporting talented experts, directing research toward national priorities, and transforming scientific achievements into valuable products and services remained among his key strategic priorities.

Today, as the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies become the main drivers of global development, these recommendations have become more relevant than ever. They continue to provide a clear roadmap for advancing technological capability and supporting Iran's long-term development.