The revered source of emulation delivered the decisive remarks while answering a pivotal question regarding the Quranic view on the duration of the ongoing struggle between the world’s arrogant powers and the Muslim Ummah. Quoting the Holy Scripture, Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi drew a direct parallel between the contemporary behavior of global hegemons and the ancient animosity of the People of the Book.
“The arrogant powers of the world will never cease their torment and persecution of Muslims,” the senior cleric stated emphatically. “For every step backward, the Muslims take in retreat, the enemy advances ten steps forward.”
His Eminence grounded his analysis firmly in the Holy Quran, citing verse 120 of Surah Al-Baqarah: “Never will the Jews or the Christians be satisfied with you until you follow their religion.” Grand Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi interpreted this divine warning as a timeless principle, applying it directly to modern geopolitical pressures. “They will only be satisfied with us when we bid farewell to Islam,” he declared. “Therefore, we must not seek to appease them; rather, we are duty-bound to stand firm on our principles.”
The Grand Ayatollah further contextualized his message by praising the resilience of the Islamic Republic under the crushing weight of Western-imposed sanctions. He pointed to the nuclear negotiations as a case study in resistance, highlighting that the faith, conviction, and bravery of Iran’s young scientists proved to be the ultimate key to overcoming obstacles.
“Even if the enemy refuses to accept our legitimate demands and no agreement is reached on the nuclear issue, we can still emerge victorious from this arena,” Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi asserted, underscoring the nation’s proven capacity to endure pressure and turn threats into opportunities. He reiterated that the country has historically managed to withstand sanctions, proving that reliance on indigenous capability and spiritual strength is the true path to triumph.
The Grand Ayatollah’s statements serve as a robust reaffirmation of the revolutionary principle of “Neither East nor West,” dismissing any policy of concession as a betrayal of Islamic identity. His message resonates strongly as a guiding beacon for officials and the public alike, insisting that the enemies’ hostility is intrinsic and will only vanish if the nation forfeits its religious and revolutionary heritage.
