Iranian leader highlights resistance from his people in the face of hostile U.S. actions

Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, on Friday expressed his rejection of the Trump administration’s threats against his nation, assuring that any aggression against the Iranian people will be responded to forcefully.

During a meeting in Tehran on the occasion of the Noruz (Persian New Year), Khamenei said: “It is important that the Americans understand that their threats will not succeed. If anyone executes hostile actions against Iran, he will receive a harsh response.”

These statements come weeks after former US President Donald Trump declared to have sent a letter to the Iranian leader requesting a new nuclear agreement, while warning of possible military measures if a dialogue was not achieved.

In addition, Trump resumed his “maximum pressure” policy, imposing new sanctions aimed at limiting Iranian oil exports.

Khamenei stressed that the Islamic Republic has never initiated clashes, but assured that they will respond firmly to any provocation. He stressed that Iran does not act through intermediaries in the region and that resistance movements, which support Palestine, make decisions independently. “The centers of resistance in the countries of the region have their own motivations. Iran does not require mediators”” he added.

He further criticized the violent acts perpetrated by the Zionist regime, stating that they have caused pain even among non-Muslim peoples. Despite the loss of prominent figures in the resistance, such as Hezbollah leader Seyed Hassan Nasrallah, the Iranian leader expressed confidence in the victory of these movements against the Zionist regime.

Khamenei appreciated the resilience and unity demonstrated by Iranians during a year marked by difficult events, such as the death of former President Seyed Ebrahim Raisi in May 2024. He highlighted the outstanding citizen participation in key events, such as the early elections in June and the mobilizations for the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.

The leader also called for boosting the country’s economic development through domestic investment, and urged the government to facilitate the necessary conditions. According to Khamenei, Iran’s economic progress should not depend on foreign capital and the people themselves have the potential to strengthen the national economy.

According to the Geopolitical Map of Sanctions, the US and other imperialist countries have imposed a total of 2,797 against the Islamic Republic of Iran.