Title: The Unyielding Spirit: Iran’s 13 Aban and the Enduring Stand Against Hegemony
In a powerful address during the 13 Aban march in Tehran, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf articulated the profound and enduring significance of this day in Iran’s national consciousness, framing it as a timeless testament to the nation’s resolve for independence and its principled stance in global affairs.
A Legacy of Resistance
Speaker Ghalibaf emphasized that 13 Aban is not merely a historical date but a living truth that has shaped Iran’s past, defines its present, and will guide its future. “On this day,” he stated, “our nation declared with one voice that we will never accept domination and we will certainly fight against hegemonic powers and arrogance.” He positioned this enduring spirit as the very foundation of the nation’s identity and its foreign policy, which is strictly based on safeguarding national interests, with independence being the cornerstone of those interests.
The Historical Pillars of 13 Aban
The Speaker recounted the three pivotal events that converge on 13 Aban, each reinforcing the core principle of resisting foreign domination. He referenced the exile of Imam Khomeini by the former Pahlavi regime, the martyrdom of students in 1978 during the struggle against the monarchy, and the 1979 takeover of the US espionage den, which he said exposed the depth of American conspiracies against the nascent Islamic Revolution. Ghalibaf stated, “From the very beginning, the foundation of our work has been standing against arrogance.”
Independence: A Non-Negotiable Principle
A central theme of the address was the absolute non-negotiability of Iran’s sovereignty. “Without a doubt,” Ghalibaf asserted, “we will not trade our independence for anything, for any privilege, or under any conditions.” He argued that the nature of hegemonic systems has not changed, only their methods have become more advanced, citing what he described as continued enmity and acts of aggression, including the assassination of Iranian scientists.
The Battle of Narratives and National Progress
Ghalibaf highlighted what he termed a modern tool of hegemony: a media empire designed to pump despair and a sense of inferiority into the minds of the youth. He countered this narrative by pointing to Iran’s advancements in nuclear technology, nanotechnology, defense, medicine, and aerospace as living proof that progress is achievable without subservience to Western powers. “These achievements,” he declared, “draw a definitive line through that great lie.”
The Rationale Behind “Death to America”
Addressing a frequently discussed slogan, the Parliament Speaker explained that “Death to America” is not a product of a think tank but an organic outcry from the nation’s collective historical memory and conscience. He clarified that it represents “death to domination, not death to nations, and it is a stand against bullying.” He reframed the slogan as a rational position against the logic of arrogance, stating, “On 13 Aban, we do not speak of blind hatred, but of rationality in the face of domination.”
A Vision for an Alternative Future
Looking forward, Ghalibaf outlined a path that transcends perpetual confrontation. “We do not speak of endless conflict,” he said, “rather, we speak of an alternative civilization.” He envisioned a world where no nation is sanctioned for its independence and no individual is threatened for their beliefs. He credited Imam Khomeini’s doctrine of “Neither East, nor West” for altering the course of history and praised the current Leadership for continuing this path with an emphasis on “rational resistance.”
The Path Forward: Moderation, Authority, and Rationality
In his concluding remarks, the Speaker defined Iran’s chosen path as one of “moderation, authority, and rationality.” He described it as a journey that begins with faith, continues with science, and, God willing, culminates in justice. He positioned this as the enduring legacy of the nation’s leadership and the solemn responsibility of the new generation to build a strong and independent Iran.