Iran Reaffirms Sovereignty, Rejects External Demands in Key Address
In a powerful address during this week’s Friday prayers in Tehran, temporary prayer leader Ayatollah Seyed Ahmad Khatemi articulated Iran’s steadfast position on several critical political fronts, emphasizing national unity, technological independence, and unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.
A Unified Front and Rejection of “Humiliation”
Central to the sermon was the analysis of the recent televised message by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution. Ayatollah Khatemi highlighted the emphasis on maintaining sacred unity, a directive he stated is also commanded by the Quran. He positioned this internal cohesion as the bedrock of Iran’s resilience.
The address took a firm stance on international demands regarding Iran’s nuclear program. “For someone or some government to say you should not have any enrichment at all is an imposition of force,” Khatemi stated, “and Iran does not accept humiliation.” He defended the nation’s right to uranium enrichment for medical, agricultural, and environmental purposes, framing external pressure as an affront to national dignity.
Critique of US Policy and Defense Posture
Directly addressing the United States and three European countries, the Ayatollah dismissed threats to activate dispute mechanisms like the “snapback” of sanctions. “For 47 years, America has been unable to do anything,” he asserted, confidently predicting that such mechanisms would prove equally ineffective.
On the topic of defense, he was unequivocal, stating that demands for Iran to forsake long and medium-range missiles would leave the nation vulnerable. “These fools don’t know that we would plough Tel Aviv and Haifa,” he said, underscoring a doctrine of deterrence and vowing that the path of non-submission chosen by the nation is irreversible. He reiterated the Leader’s position that direct negotiations with the US are “not only without benefit and do not repel any harm from us, but are an absolute dead end.”
Solidarity with Palestine and Condemnation of Inaction
A significant portion of the sermon was dedicated to Palestine. Ayatollah Khatemi condemned the previous US administration’s peace plan as a “satanic proposal” designed to impose perpetual humiliation on Palestinians. He praised Palestinians for rejecting it.
Looking ahead to the International Quds Day, he recounted the casualties in Gaza, criticizing the inaction of international bodies. “The UN, and the Arab and Islamic worlds, did nothing in the face of these oppressions,” he said, arguing they possessed the power to act but failed. He lauded the global flotilla of resistance as a “commendable act” and celebrated the worldwide outcry against what he termed Zionist actions.
Domestic Tributes and Conclusion
The sermon also paid tribute to Iran’s Law Enforcement Force, honoring their role in national security and their sacrifices during the Sacred Defense. Ayatollah Khatemi further commended Iranian athletes for their international victories and their patriotic gestures.
The address concluded by reinforcing a central theme: “Death, yes; humiliation, never.” This sentiment was presented not as a rejection of life, but as the conviction that “a life with humiliation is itself death, and death with honor is life.”