Leader: Iran will not forgo regional presence, nuclear program

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said Iran would not give up on its regional presence and peaceful nuclear program as two factors that contribute to the country’s national power.

“It is vital for any country to have national power,” Ayatollah Khamenei said on Thursday in an address to Iran’s Assembly of Experts, the clerical body that chooses the Leader.

He said any nation seeking independence and resistance against the will of others needs to “stand strong, otherwise, it would be fearful, weak, humiliated and constantly worried about the greedy eyes of foreigners.”

Ayatollah Khamenei described national power as a “compound issue” and an “intertwined network” comprised of multiple factors, Press TV reported.

The Leader said among the “pillars of national power” are “security and defense power,” “economy, public welfare and easy livelihood,” “the power of politicking and bargaining to fulfill national interests at the regional and global front,” and “culture and lifestyle,” among other things.

“None of these arms of national power should be cut off in favor of one pillar or another,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.

“Regional presence gives us more strategic depth and national strength. Why should we give it up? Scientific nuclear advance has to do with the country’s needs in the near future; if we do away with [the nuclear program], whom will we ask for [nuclear knowhow to meet our needs]?” the Leader asked.

It is a big mistake to retreat in the face of America or any other power for securing protection against sanctions, which will deal a blow to the nation’s political power, said Ayatollah Khamenei.

Using the media as a tool, the devils have constantly been spreading lies to undermine the public trust and faith, and frustrate the nation, the Leader added.

Source: Iran Daily