Agha Safeer Hussain Kazemi
When a nation declares that it fears no one but Allah, it becomes difficult to suppress it. History bears witness that nations gripped by fear always bow before the powerful, but a nation that stands firm on its beliefs and principles cannot be completely subdued, even by the strongest powers. Today, dozens of Islamic countries exist on the world map, with diverse languages, cultures, and sects. Despite these differences, one truth is undeniable: if any state has openly declared its sovereignty and independence and refused to bow under immense global pressure, that state is Iran.
It is also a fact that sectarian differences exist among Muslims, which can lead to varying perspectives. However, standing against oppression is not the heritage of a single sect or school of thought. Islamic history testifies that rising for the truth and standing against falsehood is a shared teaching of Muslims. This message is evident from the Battle of Badr on 17 Ramadan and from the tragedy of Karbala. The message of Karbala is not limited to one group or sect; it is an eternal lesson for all humanity. Imam Hussain (AS) symbolizes resistance and steadfastness, inspiring anyone who refuses to bow before injustice.
In this context, when we see a nation standing firmly on its principles, its resilience compels admiration despite differences. This spirit of resistance stems from the combination of faith, conviction, and leadership. When leadership frees people from fear and empowers them to uphold their principles, that nation does not waver even in the greatest trials.
The Iranian nation and its leadership have, over decades, sent a clear message to the world: invoking the name of Imam Ali (AS) is easy, but upholding his justice, courage, and independence is the true test. History does not only remember the powerful; it also honors those who refused to compromise on principles in difficult times. Lives that may appear brief can leave a lasting impact if spent in truth and principle.
Whether through martyrdom or struggle, when guided by belief in truth and adherence to principles, an event becomes more than a mere incident—it becomes a part of history. This is why events like Badr and Karbala still resonate with humanity, reminding us that true power is not in weapons or wealth but in faith, conviction, and steadfastness. History remembers the steadfast because time passes, but the stories of those who uphold principles light the way for future generations.
The political and religious system of the Islamic Republic of Iran is founded on a unique ideological basis: the principle of Wilayat al-Faqih (Guardianship of the Jurist). In this system, the highest position is that of the Supreme Leader, who provides guidance on state, defense, ideological, and religious matters. This office is not hereditary like a monarchy but is selected through a formal constitutional and religious process overseen by the Assembly of Experts.
When the Islamic Revolution erupted in Iran in 1979, it was led by the great religious leader Imam Ruhollah Khomeini (RA). After the revolution, Iran established a system in which the highest leadership is determined constitutionally and religiously. The system is designed so that the guidance of the nation rests in the hands of a person with deep knowledge of religion, political insight, and qualities of piety and justice. Wilayat al-Faqih became the central pillar of the state structure. Imam Khomeini (RA) was recognized as the founder and first Supreme Leader, redefining leadership in the Islamic system not merely as power but as a tremendous responsibility and trust, while also inspiring a new philosophy of resistance against global arrogance.
According to Iran’s constitution, the Supreme Leader is not directly elected by the public; rather, the Assembly of Experts, whose members are elected by the people, chooses the leader. This assembly, composed of scholars and jurists, is responsible for selecting the Supreme Leader and monitoring his performance. If the leader becomes incapable of performing his duties, the assembly has the authority to elect a new leader constitutionally.
After Imam Khomeini’s passing in 1989, the Assembly of Experts unanimously elected Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the Supreme Leader. This demonstrated that Iran’s leadership succession follows an organized constitutional process. Over decades, Ayatollah Khamenei has maintained the principles of the Islamic Revolution, national independence, and the resistance policy in the region.
Whenever the leadership position becomes vacant, the Assembly of Experts evaluates candidates based on jurisprudence, piety, insight, political awareness, and leadership abilities to elect a new leader. Recently, the appointment of Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei has been hailed as a significant chapter in Iran’s political and ideological history, signaling both internal stability and a warning to global powers that have sought to weaken Iran’s internal system or pursue regime change in the region.
The responsibilities of the Supreme Leader are vast. He is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, oversees key state policies, and appoints senior officials, including in the judiciary. For this reason, the position is the most influential in Iran, and candidates must demonstrate expertise in Islamic jurisprudence, piety, justice, political and social insight, and leadership skills. The goal is to ensure that the highest state leadership is held by a person strong in faith and understanding of complex global and regional politics. In the present era, Israel and the U.S. have faced lessons from Iran’s defense strategies under the Supreme Leader’s guidance.
From a political and religious perspective, the leadership institution in the Islamic Republic is not merely a political office but a religious and ideological responsibility. Observers note that this continuity of leadership has been crucial in preserving the core ideals of the Islamic Revolution, enabling Iran to remain stable and active despite decades of global pressure, economic sanctions, and political challenges.
In the context of U.S. and Israeli policies, questions often arise about why America has focused its pressure on Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. The answer is that Iran’s resistance policies are centered on the leadership that challenges U.S. influence and Israeli strategy in the region. Therefore, the Supreme Leader is often the target of political and diplomatic pressure. Resistance, sovereignty, and opposition to Western dominance have been central to Iranian state policy since the Islamic Revolution. These policies have become even clearer and stronger under the current leadership, signaling to the U.S. and its allies that altering Iran’s policies requires pressuring its ideological and political leadership.
Over time, the U.S. has imposed sanctions and increased political pressure, often in line with Israeli interests and its regional security strategy. Israel has long viewed Iran as its primary regional challenge and supports strong global measures against Iranian leadership. However, in Iran’s system, the office of the Supreme Leader represents not just an individual but an institutional and ideological authority. This makes it difficult to bring about fundamental policy changes through pressure or sanctions. Consequently, tensions between Iran, the U.S., and Israel remain a persistent geopolitical concern.
In the context of the ongoing tensions and potential conflicts, Ayatollah Khamenei is viewed as a central figure in global politics. Rising tensions in the Middle East, harsh rhetoric between Iran and Israel, and regional conflicts have made the situation sensitive. The U.S., supporting its allies, has also contributed to a climate of pressure and uncertainty.
Iran’s leadership has consistently stated that it possesses the capability to respond decisively if its security or interests are threatened. This has drawn intense scrutiny from global media and diplomatic circles. Israel views Iran’s influence in the region as its primary challenge, which intensifies periodic political and military tensions.
This ongoing conflict has placed the Middle East at a stage where even minor incidents can escalate into major regional crises. While global and regional powers advocate diplomatic solutions, the reality indicates that the Iran-U.S.-Israel dispute is a long-term political and strategic struggle.
In these sensitive circumstances, the historic stance of Ayatollah Khamenei must be noted: he emphasized that the ultimate priority is not a single country or government but Islam. If ever a choice arises between saving Iran or Islam, priority must go to Islam, because states change but Islam is eternal.
This reflects the core philosophy of the Islamic Revolution, which values the Ummah and Islamic principles above nationalism. The struggle is not for territory but for upholding the principles of Islam, justice, and truth.
Notably, Iran has withstood traditional U.S. and allied strategies, political pressure, economic sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and constant threats, without compromising its core stance and sovereignty. This is why Iran has long been a thorn in the side of anti-Islamic powers. Meanwhile, many Muslim countries have, in pursuit of appeasing major powers, compromised independence for convenience, often reducing their positions before illegal occupiers like Israel. This contrast poses an important question for the Muslim Ummah today: how far can sovereignty, principles, and national dignity be preserved?
The last approximately 47 years testify that Iran has repeatedly refused to compromise its principles and independence despite sanctions, pressure, diplomatic isolation, and military threats. While many governments bow before powerful nations, Iran has consistently demonstrated that defending principles and independence, even under hardship, is acceptable. This example of resistance and steadfastness is not just political but a historical reality, creating a unique precedent in world politics.
The selection of the new Supreme Leader is considered a continuation of this historical chain, expected to strengthen Iran internally and maintain its role as a symbol of resistance, independence, and ideological sovereignty for the Islamic world. Moreover, the future calls for Iran to take the lead in resolving misunderstandings and mistrust with Arab and other Muslim countries in the region. Mutual confidence and dialogue could open a new path for the Ummah, potentially undermining Israel’s strategy and freeing Al-Aqsa Mosque from Israeli control. When the Islamic world unites on this shared goal, the dignity, autonomy, and collective strength of the Muslim Ummah will become an undeniable reality in global politics.
According to recent reports, Iranian state media has informed certain key regional countries of a potential scenario. Sources indicate that Saudi Arabia and others have been warned that Israel may attempt a dangerous strategy, possibly a false-flag operation in Al-Aqsa Mosque during the last Friday of Ramadan, traditionally marked as Quds Day to support Palestinians and raise global awareness of Al-Aqsa’s liberation. Analysts suggest that such an operation could be falsely blamed on Iran to sow distrust among Muslim countries and limit Iran’s growing influence.