“I bow in reverence before the wisdom and resilience of the Iranian people, which, along with the bravery and self-sacrifice of the country’s defenders and the sincere, selfless service of the government, has revived the historical and cultural spirit of our nation,”
Khatami added that Iran’s defensive power, grounded in knowledge, technology, and purely domestic planning, shattered the defensive shield and iron dome of the enemy.
“Our greatest asset today is national unity and cohesion.”
In response to the United States’ stance in defense of Israel, he said: “The U.S. must restrain the wounded and vicious wolf that is Israel and must come to the logical conclusion that there is no path forward other than negotiations based on mutual respect.”
“Our enemies can no longer remain under the illusion that Iran and the Iranian people can be forced to surrender to illegitimate and aggressive demands through war.”
Khatami emphasized that although the enemy inflicted damage on the country, the people, and the government, “At this stage, it not only failed to achieve its final goals — namely subjugating the homeland and the nation through the destruction of vital infrastructures including defense, science, and economy, the overthrow of the government, and the creation of chaos — but was met instead with a unified voice from all segments of the nation, political movements, and active civil forces; a voice that did not stray from the path of defending the homeland.”
“Even if there are differences of opinion regarding governance and political or executive approaches, the nation stood united and firm against any form of aggression.”
