After an hour-and-a-half visit this morning to the Nuclear Accomplishments Exhibition that showcased achievements in agriculture, medicine and health, industry, environment, water, and power plant construction, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution declared this industry as the key to Iran's progress in various fields in the presence of several prideful scientists, experts and officials of the nuclear industry, and he emphasised the all-round effort to ensure that the impact of nuclear progress is felt in the lives of the people. He said, "The localisation of the overly important nuclear industry demonstrates the failure of the West and the humiliation of Westernised individuals who sought to demean the nation and weaken the spirit of work and hope in the country."
Ayatollah Khamenei expressed his gratitude to the scientists, officials, and those active in the nuclear industry. He described the exhibition he visited as 'excellent, pleasing, and promising' and said, "People should be informed about the various aspects and effects of this progress on national life."
In describing the threefold importance of the nuclear industry, he viewed the industry as a source of national pride in terms of progress and a demonstration of capabilities. He added, mentioning the fundamental impact of nuclear accomplishments on improving the people's lives, "The nuclear industry is a source of national pride in terms of political weight and Iran's global status. In addition to combatting the efforts of enemies to portray the country as having no future and discouraging young people, it revives the spirit of national hope and self-confidence in society. It shows the people, especially the youths, that we can enter major fields and conquer them."
The Leader of the Revolution cited the strategic yet objective and palpable importance of the nuclear industry and considered it an essential component of Iran's strength and credibility. He said, "Anyone who loves Iran, the Islamic Republic, and the progress and strength of the nation must recognise and value nuclear scientific, research, and industrial activities."
The next section of the Leader's speech focused on the root cause of the enemies' attention to Iran's nuclear energy.
He referred to the West's claim about 'fear of nuclear weapon production in Iran' as a lie. He added, "They are well aware that we are not seeking [to build] nuclear weapons, just as the United States Intelligence Community has repeatedly acknowledged in recent months that there is no evidence of Iran moving towards building nuclear weapons."
His Eminence Ayatollah Khamenei stated that the production of weapons of mass destruction, whether nuclear or chemical, is against Islam and added, "If it were not for this Islamic foundation and we wanted to build a nuclear weapon, we would have done so, and the enemies know they wouldn't be able to stop us."
The Leader of the Revolution mentioned that the real reason for the enemies' persistence regarding the nuclear industry is their opposition to the progress of the Iranian nation, stating, "This industry is crucial for the remarkable progress of the country and nation in various areas. Meanwhile, the enemies are concerned that other nations will follow Iran's progressive path and adopt its way of thinking as a model."
Ayatollah Khamenei considered that the enemies' twenty-year nuclear confrontation with the Islamic Republic had revealed many realities. Among them, the most significant is the display of exceptional talent and capability of the Iranian youth despite continuous sanctions and threats.
The Leader of the Revolution highlighted a second reality: 'the revelation of the inhumane logic of those who oppose Iran's progress.' He stated, "Beyond the residual agreements, they have many aggressive expectations. If they do not intend to threaten the Iranian nation, why do they oppose the security of Iran's facilities?"
The third reality of the West's twenty-year nuclear confrontation with Iran is the need to distrust nuclear parties. In this regard, His Eminence Ayatollah Khamenei said, "Over the years, the nuclear parties and agencies have made many promises that have not been fulfilled. We have learnt who and where to trust and not trust. This is very important for a nation as we have suffered in many areas due to neglect of this issue."
Another reality that the Leader discussed with scientists, experts, and officials in the nuclear industry was the significant impact of nuclear advancements in thwarting the efforts of Westernised individuals to demean the nation.
He said, "The oppressors stifle nations and weaken them through two methods. The first method is the direct domination and colonisation of nations. The second method, which is more dangerous, is to instil a sense of helplessness and 'we cannot' in nations."
Referring to the implementation of both methods before the Revolution, His Eminence Ayatollah Khamenei added, "At that time, I criticised their actions during a coincidental encounter with one of the former regime officials in a meeting. Despite the plundering of Iran's oil resources, domination over the Iranian market, and maximum Western interference in Iran's policies, that official said boastfully, 'Don't say these useless words! The Europeans are now our servants; they produce different goods for us, and we use them.'"
His Eminence Ayatollah Khamenei continued, "In addition to the contemptuous and Westernised attitude of the officials of the former regime, they had convinced our young people that Iranians are helpless and incapable. As one of the prime ministers of that time said, the most talent they have is to produce clay and pottery water jugs."
In summarising this part of his speech, the Leader of the Revolution mentioned that the nuclear progress and display of work ethic, optimism, and vigour indicated the evident failure of the Westernised individuals and added, "In those days, the Westernised people belittled the nation, but now, the nation's achievements and advancements have put them to shame."
His Eminence Ayatollah Khamenei declared that Iran's nuclear facilities had grown over a hundredfold since 2003, when the nuclear confrontation began. He said, "They even resorted to crime and terror to stop this trend, but they could not. Today, thanks to the hard work of the nation's youth, the nuclear industry has become localised within the country, and this cannot be taken from us."
The Leader of the Revolution then mentioned an important but marginal point: the emergence of a conflict between science and religion during the Renaissance and Industrial Revolution, saying, "One of the major red lines of the Renaissance was that religion and spirituality must be abandoned for scientific advancement. However, today, nearly five hundred years later, the Islamic Republic is competing with the Western world in the most important scientific achievements, and science and spirituality have been connected such that young and faithful individuals, such as [Majid] Shahriyari and [Mohsen] Fakhrizadeh, who pray their midnight prayers are the main drivers of scientific advancements."
Ayatollah Khamenei then gave some important advice to the officials and those involved in the nuclear industry.
He stressed the importance of expanding the use of nuclear science in various areas of life, including health, industry, agriculture, the environment, and desalination, saying, "Fortunately, this work is being carried out, and I also urge that the public reap the benefits of the nuclear industry's scientific progress in their daily lives."
The Leader of the Revolution advised the Atomic Energy officials to educate the public on the positive impacts of the nuclear industry and added, "The public's understanding of the nuclear industry is limited to energy and electricity production. However, if they are made aware of its benefits in all aspects of their lives, they will better appreciate what has been referred to as our undeniable right. Of course, the IRIB and other organisations also have a role to play here."
In another recommendation, he emphasised the importance of 'commercialising nuclear products and services' and 'increasing scientific cooperation with like-minded and non-opposing countries to make the most of the world's facilities and advancements.' He said, "Take the goal of generating 20,000 megawatts of nuclear electricity, which we announced a few years ago, seriously and work towards it in a structured manner."
His Eminence Ayatollah Khamenei deemed it essential to construct low-capacity and common power plants worldwide and said, "The country needs such power plants in various regions."
In a solid recommendation to atomic energy officials to 'honour, preserve, and protect human resources,' the Leader of the Revolution stated, "Currently, the number of students pursuing studies in the nuclear field is deficient and should be increased tenfold. In addition to addressing this field's unique challenges and difficulties, our scientists should be utilised to their full potential, and their safety should be taken seriously."
His Eminence Ayatollah Khamenei added in this regard, "Of course, it is crucial to hire and assess human resources as the enemy is seeking to infiltrate and sabotage. We have suffered in some of these areas, so utmost caution must be taken when evaluating human resources."
He considered it necessary to 'maintain communication, interaction, and cooperation with the agency within the framework of safeguard regulations' in his following recommendation. He added, "My advice to various officials in the nuclear industry has been the same from the beginning. Of course, do not burden yourselves with anything more than safeguard regulations."
Stressing that the Atomic Energy Organisation should not be burdened by the false claims and intimidating demands of the opposing parties, the Leader of the Revolution continued, "Do your duty but stand firm on your stances. Don't succumb to intimidating demands or occasional false accusations that, for example, you have done so-and-so at so-and-so time."
He added in this regard, "Of course, the agency has not fulfilled its obligations concerning the commitments that were made in Esfand [February-March] last year, according to a new report I saw."
Another recommendation the Leader of the Revolution made was to 'refrain from violating the parliamentary law on nuclear affairs,' regarding which he said, "Contrary to the mistaken belief of some, the parliamentary resolution is a beneficial law for the country and the nuclear industry that must be acted upon and not violated in providing access and information."
In this meeting with officials of the Atomic Energy Organisation, the Leader of the Revolution's final recommendation and emphasis was on 'maintaining the current infrastructure of the nuclear industry.'
He stated, "Over the years, managers, officials and those active in the nuclear industry have created vital infrastructures. Make sure that these infrastructures are not affected by agreements."
In this meeting, Mr Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organisation, mentioned that the persistence in dynamism and authority of the nuclear industry is a constant agenda of this organisation in his remarks and said, "The Atomic Energy Organisation has several programmes in place to accelerate progress and increase the impact of the nuclear industry on the economy of the country and the lives of the people. These programmes aim to control foreign interference and prevent restrictions on the nuclear industry. Despite facing threats from ill-wishers, our scientists continue to work tirelessly to advance the industry."