TEHRAN (Dispatches) – Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Saturday said the United States would overthrow the Iranian government if it could, adding Washington had a "controlling and meddlesome" attitude towards the Islamic Republic.
In a speech to mark the 35th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Khamenei added that officials seeking to revive the economy should not rely on an eventual lifting of sanctions but rather on home-grown innovation.
"American officials publicly say they do not seek regime change in Iran. That's a lie. They wouldn't hesitate a moment if they could do it.
“The other reason behind U.S. inability to change the Islamic establishment is that he establishment relies on the nation’s faith, kindness and resolve," the Leader pointed out.
Ayatollah Khamenei said in dealing with "enemies", Iran should be prepared to change tactics but not compromise on its main principles.
The Leader said, "The solution to our economic problems is not looking out and having the sanctions lifted ... My advice to our officials, as ever, is to rely on infinite indigenous potentials."
The Leader added: "Our (hostile) stance toward the United States is due to its controlling and meddlesome attitude."
Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized that compromise with arrogant powers will lead nowhere, adding interventionist powers seek to put autocratic puppets at the helm.
"The mystery behind the longevity of the Islamic Revolution is its reliance on Islamic values," the Leader added.
Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that seeking independence should not be translated into hostility with the rest of the world. "Independence means resistance against the interventionist powers which do not respect the dignity of other nations for their personal interests."
The Leader said the imperial order is being manifested in absolute terms in the current U.S. administration. "The United States threatens Iran and ridiculously expects it to reduce its defensive power."
Ayatollah Khamenei also called on critics of the interim nuclear deal achieved on Nov. 24 in Geneva to be fair and give time to President Hassan Rouhani to pursue his policy of engagement with the outside world.
"The only solution to the country's economic problems is to employ (Iran's) infinite domestic capacities, not to pin hopes on the lifting of sanctions. No expectations from the enemy."
The Leader also said, "No more than a few months have passed since the government took office. Authorities should be given the opportunity to push forward strongly. Critics should show tolerance toward the government."
