Leader says Iran tolerates constructive criticism

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Imam Ali Khamenei says the Iranian establishment can tolerate differences of opinion but will confront threats against its security.

“Those who clash with the establishment and turn their backs on the Islamic establishment become enemies,” said Ayatollah Khamenei, who is also the leader of Tehran’s Friday prayers.

“Of course, if someone has a different opinion but leaves the system to itself, then the establishment has nothing against him or her.”

The establishment has to deal with those who threaten security, under the guise of seeking the revolution’s principles. The revolutionary principles are not a matter of taste, Imam Khamenei added.

The Leader said a harsh answer awaits anyone who dares to draw a sword against the Islamic Republic, maintaining that the establishment has a right to defend itself.

Ayatollah Khamenei added that even figures with revolutionary backgrounds must not let their differences of opinion lead to conflict and warned political movements against trying to undermine the pillars of the establishment.

Iran’s most senior official then went on to urge piety, advising the people and the country’s top figures to avoid corruption as it can alter their hearts and turn them against the system.

Ayatollah Khamenei said the establishment must retain its Islamic qualities, and not turn into a “fake” Islamic Republic that is “secular” at heart.

Positive movements are those that push the country toward growth, justice and religious values while negative ones are those that try to create economic gaps, spread impiety and give into foreign pressure, said the Leader.

Ayatollah Khamenei said the enemy will become bolder if Iran retreats from its various rights, including the nuclear stance.

The West accuses Iran of seeking nuclear weaponry. Iran, however, says it seeks civilian applications of the technology and has called for the removal of all weapons of mass destruction around the globe.

The Leader also said that the Islamic Republic is proud to have the Zionist regime as an enemy, while faithful and oppressed nations are Iran’s friends.

Finally, Imam Khamenei said that the upcoming demonstration on Al-Quds Day must focus on its core issue, which is the Palestinian plight, adding that the establishment would not allow the demonstration to be used as an opportunity to create division.