Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei made the remarks in a meeting with a group of people from East Azarbaijan province on Sunday. The meeting was held on the occasion of the 1978 uprising of the people of Tabriz on Sunday.

He said that the February 18, 1978 uprising in Tabriz was the continuation of the uprising of the people of Qom that had taken place 40 days earlier and that the move caused the Islamic Revolution to achieve victory.

Referring to the upcoming parliamentary elections and the Assembly of Experts elections, which are scheduled to be held on March 1, the Leader stated that everyone should participate in the elections, stressing that elections are the main pillar of the Islamic Establishment.

The elections are the way to reform the country, he added.

He further stressed that political differences should not affect the national unity of the Iranians against the enemies.

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution stated that the arrogant bloc is undoubtedly against Iran's elections, adding that the elections are the symbol of the Islamic Establishment’s republicanism.

He stressed that the arrogance and the US oppose both the republicanism and Islamism of the Islamic Establishment as well as the mass participation of the Iranian people in elections.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Leader called on the people to preserve national unity and support the officials of the country, saying that everyone should know that carrying out these duties is a way to fight against the enemy. 

The Leader stated that another important duty is "monitoring the enemy", stressing that the enemy’s potential capabilities should not be underestimated.

While we don't assume the enemy is weak and incapable, we shouldn't be afraid of their threats, he added.

He also stressed that the reason behind the enemy’s pressure is the progress of the Islamic Revolution, adding that Iran should not act passively against the enemies.

The Leader also hailed the mass participation of the Iranian nation in the nationwide 22 Bahman rallies which were held across Iran to mark the 45th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution.