The announcement came in
His Excellency’s annual Nowruz (Persian New Year) message, delivered on Friday
evening, marking the transition from the year 1404.
The message, broadcast on
state television, touched upon significant events of the past year, which the
Leader characterized as a period of multiple conflicts.
He specifically
referenced what he termed three "military and security wars." The
first, occurring in June, was described as an "unjust attack" by
"the Zionist enemy with special American assistance," resulting in
the deaths of prominent commanders, scientists, and approximately 1,000
citizens.
Ayatollah Khamenei then
detailed a second incident in December, referred to as the "December
coup," attributing it to the United States and Israel, who allegedly used
"mercenaries" to cause extensive damage and casualties.
He also spoke of a third,
ongoing conflict, which he described as a war initiated after the enemy's
failure to incite popular uprisings. This conflict, he stated, aimed to create
fear and despair by targeting the leadership and influential military figures,
with the ultimate goal of controlling and dividing Iran.
The Leader lauded the
resilience of the Iranian people, highlighting their role in quelling the
so-called coup and demonstrating their opposition to global arrogance. He also
expressed gratitude to the President and other officials for their presence among
the people during public events.
Looking ahead to 1405,
Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized the importance of national unity, attributing the
recent "breakthrough" against the enemy to the cohesion among
Iranians from diverse religious, ideological, cultural, and political backgrounds.
He urged continued
gratitude for this unity, viewing it as a divine blessing that strengthens the
nation and weakens its adversaries.
The message also
addressed Iran's foreign policy, particularly concerning neighboring countries.
The Leader reiterated a serious and genuine policy of engagement with
neighbors, citing shared Islamic faith, religious sites, Iranian expatriates,
common ethnicities, shared languages, and strategic interests, particularly in
opposition to the "arrogant front."
He specifically called
for improved relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, offering his
government's readiness to take necessary steps.
Furthermore, Ayatollah
Khamenei denied any involvement by Iranian armed forces or their allies in
recent attacks in Turkey and Oman, attributing such incidents to a
"Zionist enemy's ploy" using a "false flag" to sow discord
between Iran and its neighbors. He warned that such tactics could be employed
in other countries as well.
Concluding his address,
Ayatollah Khamenei invoked a Quranic verse before offering prayers for victory
and material and spiritual breakthroughs for the Iranian nation, all Muslim
nations, and the "resistance front," while wishing for an unfavorable
year for the enemies of Islam and humanity.