Following are excerpts from a speech delivered by Iranian leader, Ali Khamenei, which aired on Channel 1, Iranian TV on August 21, 2006:
Iranian Leader, Ali Khamenei: The idol of today is America. The greatest idol in the world today is the regime of the U.S.A. It is this regime that created Zionism and supports it. It has taken the place of the previous greatest idol, England. Today, the aggression of the U.S. regime, and of those who think like it and collaborate with it, has placed the world of Islam in a difficult situation.
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We do not call upon the countries, governments, and peoples to hurry up and fight America. We call upon them not to collaborate with the enemy of Islam and the Muslims.
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You see what pressure the enemies of the world of Islam exert with regard to the issue of nuclear energy in Iran. They know we are not pursuing the atomic bomb. They are concerned because of the progress of science in this country, and because of the progress of technology in any Islamic country. This Islamic country has shown it does not surrender to America's policies. It has shown that it is not afraid of America. [They believe] that this Islamic country should not have the most important technology in the world today - nuclear technology. That is why they exert such pressure.
Obviously, we have made our decision. The Iranian people, in the 27 years that have passed since the revolution, has acquired the necessary experience to understand that the only way to escape from the enemies' trap is to place one's trust in Allah, to persevere, and to endeavor. So far, we have taken this path, and we have tasted its sweet fruits, and with the help of Allah, we will continue this path with full force.
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One should acknowledge this power of the people. The power of the people is tremendous. In order to use this power, efforts, determination, dedication, and endeavors are required. If the people take action, and if the politicians and the leaders get closer to the masses of millions in their countries, no power will be able to withstand them, and no threat will affect them. Obviously, without Jihad and without enduring the difficulties, people will get nowhere. The Islamic nation should endure some difficulties in order to reach its highest goals.
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Today, unfortunately, one hears the words of America and England coming out of the mouths of politicians in the Islamic world. They keep repeating what [America and England] want, thus fanning the flames of Sunni-Shiite disputes, and of sectarian disputes in the Islamic world. This is exactly what the enemies of Islam want. We must confront this.