Sayyed Khamenei to US students: You stand on right side of history
5 Min Read
The Iranian leader has published a letter addressed to pro-Palestine students in the United States, titled "As the page of history is turning, you are standing on the right side of it."
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An Iranian demonstrator shows a photo of Sayyed Ali Khamenei on the screen of her cellphone in a pro-Palestinian rally at the Felestin (Palestine) Sq. in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. (AP)
The leader of the Islamic Revolution and the Islamic Republic of Iran Sayyed Ali Khamenei addressed pro-Palestine student protesters in the United States, hailing their efforts and declaring them a "branch of the Resistance Front."
Amid a surge of solidarity with Palestine following "Israel's" brutal genocide in Gaza, American students have caused a nationwide uproar by demonstrating, calling for the end of the Israeli occupation, the halt of US complicity in the genocide, and recognized decades-long false narratives.
Sayyed Khamenei begins his letter by acknowledging the students' efforts, extending his empathy and solidarity, and praising them for standing on the right side of history, as the current is shifting.
He then describes their struggle as an "honorable" one against the US government, which openly and proudly defends and backs the Israeli occupation.
He also draws comparisons to their struggle and that of the greater Resistance Front, saying there exists one end goal, "To put an end to the blatant oppression that the brutal Zionist terrorist network has inflicted on the Palestinian nation for many years."
And history is turning a page... pic.twitter.com/DJFxMouliR
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) May 29, 2024
The West formed 'Israel'
The Iranian leader then details the reality of the Israeli occupation and how it came to be. He addresses the methods of torture, the unlawful seizure of lands, homes, businesses, and more, and how with British support, "Israel" usurped Palestine.
The United States would later become the occupation's biggest unwavering ally, extending the latter with political, military, and economic support.
"In an act of unforgivable recklessness, the United States even opened the way and provided assistance for the regime's production of nuclear weapons," Sayyed Khamenei said.
Sayyed Ali Khamenei then described how "Israel" has been using its "iron-fist policy" against Palestinians since the start, and only escalated its brutality against the defenseless people of Palestine "in complete disregard of all moral, human and religious values."
It was able to do that at the discretion of the US, according to Sayyed Khamenei, which did not condemn nor attempt to dismantle the "state of terrorism and ongoing oppression". Currently, in light of the genocide in Gaza, the US and allies have issued more hypocritical statements than real ones, he added.
Read more: US says Israeli massacres in Rafah not to impact aid, policy
The Rise of the Resistance
Sayyed Ali Khamenei then explains the rise of the Resistance Front. He says it emerged from a state of darkness and despair and was developed and expanded by the Islamic Republic of Iran.
In the face of the formation of the Resistance, the United States, "Israel" and their allies labeled the movement as "terrorism".
He then slams the West's label by asking how defending one's lands against the occupier's crimes and helping the defender could be considered "terrorism".
By painting a dichotomy between the leaders of global hegemony and the Palestinian Resistance, Sayyed Khamenei shows that the US blurs human concepts by claiming "Israel's" crimes are an act of self-defense, however, it is the Resistance that defends freedom, security, and the right to self-determination.
In light of the developments, he ascertains that the Resistance is only growing stronger.
Read more: 'We behold you crafting your own victory': Hamas to Palestinians
A new fate awaits West Asia
Iran's leader affirms, in his letter, that the sun will rise on West Asia, as "the people's conscience has awakened on a global scale, and the truth is coming to light."
Alongside the student protests the US has seen in support of Palestine and Gaza, Sayyed Ali said that nations across the globe have also risen to extend solidarity to the people of Palestine.
He then commends the support of university professors to the students' cause, saying it alleviates the pressure exerted by the government. "This can offer some measure of comfort in the face of your government's police brutality and the pressures it is exerting on you."
Furthermore, he said he personally empathizes with the students and values their perseverance.
'Do not oppress and do not be oppressed'
Sayyed Ali Khamenei concludes his letter by sharing excerpts from the Muslim Holy Book, the Quran, to guide the students through the struggle for liberation.
He urges them to stand up for what is right, quoting verse 11:112 of the Quran: "So be steadfast as you have been commanded."
He also gives them a lesson in human relations, as foretold in the Holy Book: "Do not oppress and do not be oppressed".
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![In a 2021 interview with Frontline by former US special representative James Jeffrey, he says he had "engaged with [HTS] via backchannels while serving in President Trump’s State Department. (Al Mayadeen English; Illustrated by Batoul Chamas)](https://alpha-en-media.almayadeen.net/media/image/2024/12/21/b4a69f2e-8682-43e4-9d37-49482b304ab3/3.png?v=2&format=webp "In a 2021 interview with Frontline by former US special representative James Jeffrey, he says he had \"engaged with [HTS] via backchannels while serving in President Trump’s State Department. (Al Mayadeen English; Illustrated by Batoul Chamas)")
