The American gentlemen who meet with our officials complain about my pessimism about them. Well, should I be optimistic? With the condition that you are in, can one be optimistic about you? A few days ago, when there was talk of sanctions against Iran, one of their “excellencies” said in a program that was broadcast on our television as well, that as long as the Islamic Republic of Iran advocates and helps the resistance in the region, it will not be clear whether sanctions will be lifted or not.

Notice that this is the same thing that I used to say time and time again. I said this to officials both in private and in public meetings! I said to them, “Do you think that your issue with America will be over once you retreat on the issue of the nuclear issue?” Certainly not! Even if we do that, the issue of missiles comes up. They will say to us, “Why do you have missiles?” If they become disappointed with the issue of missiles, the issue of the resistance will come up. Again, they will say, “Why do you support Hezbollah, Hamas and Palestine?” If you resolve this matter and if you retreat again, another issue will come up.

For example, the issue of human rights will come up. If you resolve the issue of human rights as well and if you say that you will act according to their standards on the issue of human rights, the issue of religion’s interference in the affairs of the government comes up. Do you think that they will leave you alone? They cannot tolerate the presence of a system in a country with such expansion, population and resources because they are exceptional resources.

I will tell you that the vastness of our country, our population, our human resources and our underground resources are among the most prominent ones in the world. I do not want to boast. In the declaration that the Europeans published recently – we had access to it as well – when it comes to establishing relations with Iran and when it comes to analyzing our country, all the things that I said about the resources of the country – and I only referred to a small fraction of these resources – have been mentioned there. This declaration says that Iran is such and such a country with such and such resources, market, people, talents, underground resources, and extraordinary strategic location. This is what others are saying!

Well, it is difficult for them to see that a country with such characteristics and with such significance stands up to their bullying. It is intolerable for them to be witness to the formation of an Islamic and religious government which is based on faith and on Islamic principles and thoughts. That is why they show enmity and oppose and confront us.

Oct 19, 2016