Imam Khamenei: Resisting Western Media and Propaganda War Challenging but Achievable

In a powerful address marking a significant religious celebration, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei declared that resistance against Western media and propaganda campaigns is challenging but achievable, emphasizing the nation’s ongoing struggle to preserve its cultural and religious identity.

Speaking Thursday at the Hussainiyah of Imam Khomeini during celebrations for the birth anniversary of Lady Fatimah al-Zahra, daughter of Prophet Muhammad, Ayatollah Khamenei congratulated the thousands gathered and praised Iranians for their steadfastness in the face of what he described as persistent foreign attempts to alter the country’s “religious, historical, and cultural identity.”

The Leader emphasized the need for a comprehensive defensive and offensive strategy to counter what he characterized as enemy propaganda operations targeting “minds, hearts, and beliefs” of the Iranian people. Despite acknowledging existing challenges and resource limitations facing the country, he maintained that Iran continues to make forward progress.

This year’s celebration held particular significance as it coincided with the birth anniversary of Imam Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic. Ayatollah Khamenei used this connection to encourage followers to emulate Lady Fatimah’s virtues across all aspects of life, including piety, justice, family values, and child-rearing.

The Supreme Leader framed Western media coverage and statements from international political and military officials as part of a coordinated pressure campaign against Iran. He outlined what he sees as the evolving objectives of global powers, noting that while territorial expansion and control of natural resources remain important goals – exemplified by U.S. actions in Latin America – the primary aim has become the transformation of national identities.

“The Islamic Revolution rendered all those efforts futile,” Ayatollah Khamenei declared, referring to what he described as more than a century of attempts by foreign powers to undermine Iran’s cultural foundations. “In recent decades, the nation—through its steadfastness and refusal to surrender in the face of continued widespread pressure from its enemies—has once again defeated them.”

The Leader pointed to the expansion of resistance as a concept beyond Iran’s borders as evidence of the Islamic Republic’s resilience and influence. “If the enemy had done to any other country what it has done to Iran and the Iranian people, that nation and country would have been wiped out instantly,” he stated, underscoring his belief in the exceptional determination of the Iranian people.

This speech comes amid ongoing tensions between Iran and Western powers, particularly the United States, over issues including Iran’s nuclear program, regional influence, and human rights. International sanctions have significantly impacted Iran’s economy in recent years, while domestic challenges including inflation and unemployment have tested public patience with the government’s policies.

Ayatollah Khamenei characterized the United States as “the center” of an active front working to erase the goals and concepts of the Islamic Revolution, with European countries playing supporting roles. He also criticized what he termed “domestic mercenaries and traitors” based in Europe, accusing them of pursuing personal gain at the expense of national interests.

The religious celebration itself featured traditional ceremonies honoring Lady Fatimah, considered by Shia Muslims to be an exemplar of feminine virtue and spiritual strength. Large-scale festivities were reported across Iran, highlighting the continued importance of religious observance in the country’s public life.

As Iran prepares for parliamentary elections and continues to navigate complex regional dynamics, Ayatollah Khamenei’s message reinforced the regime’s core narrative of resistance against external pressure while acknowledging the very real challenges facing the nation.