His remarks were made on Sunday during a meeting with families of Iranian military personnel, known as "martyrs of security."
Commenting on Israel's aggression early on Saturday, Ayatollah Khamenei criticized the Zionist regime for inflating the scope of its actions, adding that while exaggeration is unwarranted, downplaying the aggression would be equally wrong. He remarked that Israel holds numerous misconceptions about Iran's power and the Iranian people’s resilience, asserting, “We should make them understand all these.”
Ayatollah Khamenei also emphasized the duty of Iranian officials to demonstrate the nation’s strength and determination, advising them to prioritize the nation's interests. He highlighted the critical role of psychological security, condemning any actions that incite fear or doubt among Iranians. "What preserves the security of a country is its national power, being strong in all aspects; strong in science, economy, defense, and armaments. These maintain and ensure the security of the country," he stated.
Reflecting on Iran’s history of occupation during the Qajar and Pahlavi eras despite declared neutrality in the World Wars, Ayatollah Khamenei noted that strength is the only reliable means of securing national integrity.
Turning to the situation in Gaza and Lebanon, he condemned what he described as Israel’s "most brutal war crimes." Criticizing the lack of global action, including from some governments and the United Nations, the Supreme Leader called for a unified global response. “A global coalition must be formed, as well as a political coalition, an economic coalition, and, if necessary, a military coalition, against the malicious Zionist regime that is committing the most brutal war crimes today,” he stressed, asserting that any form of assistance to the regime constitutes a "great sin."
Ayatollah Khamenei’s remarks come amid escalating regional tensions and ongoing conflict involving Israeli forces, with renewed calls for Islamic governments worldwide to take a definitive stand against what he described as aggression violating all rules of warfare. (ILKHA)