Islamic Democracy Model in Iran Challenging West: Leader

Ayatollah Khamenei made the remark in a meeting with the members of the Assembly of Experts of the Leadership in Tehran on Thursday.

“Prior to the establishment of the Islamic Republic, the only existing global front was the front of democracies that were dependent on Western liberal democracy. However, with the victory of the Islamic Revolution, a new front was formed based on Islamic democracy, which has naturally stood in opposition to the Western front of democracy,” the Leader said. 

Ayatollah Khamenei stated that the emergence of the model of Islamic democracy in Iran threatened the interests of the Western front of democracy, leading to its continual opposition to the Islamic system.

“The reason they felt endangered was that in the essence of Western democracy, there is imperialism, aggression, violation of the rights of nations, warmongering, and endless bloodshed in the pursuit of power. This may be seen in their colonization of many countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America during the 19th century, which was the peak of the period when they were shouting slogans and making claims regarding democracy, freedom, and human rights,” he said.

The Leader underlined the fact that the primary focus and strategy of the Islamic front of democracy is to confront oppression and aggression. In response to the question of why the Islamic Republic is opposed to the Front of Arrogance, he explained, “We are not opposed to other countries, governments, or nations as a rule. Rather, we are opposed to the oppression and aggression that exists in the front of Western democracy.”

Ayatollah Khamenei considered the tragic events in Gaza to be a clear manifestation of the oppression and aggression of the Front of Arrogance against the people of a land and the merciless massacre of innocent civilians.

He highlighted that the Islamic Republic opposes such atrocities and crimes, which are supported by the United States, Britain, and certain European countries despite the fact that they are denounced by rational, traditional, religious, and human moral standards.

He stressed that it should be evident that the Arrogant Front is concealing oppression, aggression, and murder behind the facades of democracy, human rights, and liberalism, Khamenei.ir reported.

Highlighting the importance of the Islamic Republic leading the way in opposing Arrogance, the Leader also emphasized the need to continually raise the battle flag against the Arrogant Powers, while ensuring that the flag remains in the hands of the Islamic Republic.

Elsewhere in the speech, Ayatollah Khamenei considered the Assembly of Expert’s duty, which is to select the Leader of the Islamic Republic and to oversee the maintenance of the leader’s qualifications, to be the most important managerial duty in the Islamic Republic. “The members of the Assembly of Experts must ensure that the fixed principles of the Islamic Republic are upheld in their decisions,” he stated.

Referring to the recent Parliamentary elections in Iran, the Leader said the coming into office of each new parliament is a positive development that brings fresh opportunities for the country. “The presence of new representatives alongside representatives from previous periods brings a blend of innovation and experience. This is a valuable asset. It is like fresh blood in the veins of the political structure,” he said.

Iran held nationwide elections for the Parliament and the Assembly of Experts on March 1.

In comments on March 5, the Leader expressed gratitude to the Iranian nation for participating in the elections, noting that their presence was not only a duty to society and civilization but also an act of jihad.