Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks during a meeting with thousands of students at Imam Khomeini Complex, downtown Tehran, on Monday morning, marking the anniversary of Aban 13 (November 4).
He emphasized that the difference between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States is intrinsic, highlighting a fundamental clash of interests.
Ayatollah Khamenei added that the US request for cooperation with Iran will only be considered, not in the near future, but at a later time, provided that the United States completely cuts its support for the Israeli regime, withdraws its military bases from the region, and refrains from interfering in its internal affairs.
In discussing the history of the United States’ enmity toward Iran, as well as the significance of the 1979 embassy seizure, Ayatollah Khamenei said, “The seizure of the US embassy by the youth can be examined from two perspectives: historical and identity-related.”
From a historical standpoint, he characterized Aban 13—when students seized the US embassy—as a day of pride and victory for the Iranian nation, emphasizing, “In Iran’s history, there are both days of victory and days of weakness and decline, both of which must be preserved in our national memory.”
Highlighting the importance of both bitter and sweet historical events, the Leader urged students to study and discuss these occurrences. “While we must record and preserve our sweet events, we should also ensure that bitter events, such as the British-backed coup of 1921, are not forgotten.”
“The seizure of the US embassy revealed the true identity of the United States government and the genuine nature of the [Islamic] Revolution,” he said.
Referring to the typical role of embassies worldwide, which is to gather information and relay it back to their home countries, he added, “The issue with the US embassy was not merely about gathering information; rather, by establishing a ‘conspiracy room,’ it aimed to organize remnants of the previous regime—some members of the military and others—to take action against the Revolution.”
“The students recognized this and took control of the embassy,” the Leader pointed out.
Ayatollah Khamenei said that it is inaccurate to view the seizure of the US embassy as the starting point of problems between the United States and Iran.
“Our issues with the US began on Mordad 28, 1332 (August 19, 1953) [when Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh was overthrown], not on Aban 13, 1358 (November 4, 1979). Furthermore, the seizure of the embassy revealed a significant conspiracy and threat against the Revolution,” he said.
“By undertaking this crucial task and piecing together the documents, the students were able to expose the nature of that conspiracy,” he added.
Ayatollah Khamenei dismissed the notion that American hostility towards the Islamic Republic is rooted in anti-US slogans like “Death to America,” saying it was a misinterpretation of history.
“We did not surrender to the US, but will we never have relations with it forever?” he added. “First of all, the arrogant nature of the US demands nothing less than surrender. All US presidents wanted this but didn’t express it openly, yet the current president has voiced it and, in doing so, exposed the true nature of the US.”
The Leader described the expectation for the Iranian nation—a nation characterized by its capabilities, wealth, intellectual resources, and motivated youth—to surrender as meaningless. “While one cannot predict the distant future, everyone should understand that the solution to many problems lies in becoming strong.”
Ayatollah Khamenei stressed, “Strength in management, science, military, and motivation is essential for ensuring the country’s immunity. The government must fulfill its responsibilities in these areas with strength.”
Regarding some statements from Americans expressing a desire for cooperation with Iran, the Leader emphasized, “Cooperation with Iran is incompatible with the US’s cooperation with and support for the accursed Zionist regime.”
Your Comment