Ayatollah Khamenei: America's Scientific and Industrial Advances Result from 'Resilient Economy'

The leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran states that America's scientific and industrial advancements over the past 150 years are the result of a 'resilient economy.' Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made these remarks on Tuesday, January 3, in a meeting with a group identified by the Iranian leader's office as 'elites and scientific medalists from Sharif University of Technology.' He added, 'Of course, the Americans have utilized this idea for materialism and wealth, but this globally accepted experience can be applied with a more elevated orientation.' He emphasized that 'a resilient economy is a tested idea in the world and is not exclusive to us.' Since the intensification of international sanctions against Iran during Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's presidency, Khamenei has repeatedly spoken about the necessity of pursuing a 'resilient economy' by the tenth and eleventh governments. According to a report from the leader's office, Ayatollah Khamenei first announced on September 7, 2010, that 'we must create a real resilient economy in the country.' Two years later, he stated in another speech, 'A resilient economy is one that allows a nation to grow and flourish even under pressure.' Khamenei has defined a resilient economy as 'having a growing economy with less vulnerability' against countries he refers to as 'enemies' and has emphasized 'following a local-scientific economic model derived from revolutionary and Islamic culture.' The Iranian leader has cited the necessity of pursuing a resilient economy as stemming from 'economic pressures and threats from enemies,' 'chronic and longstanding problems,' and 'global economic crises.' However, in his speech on Tuesday, he did not provide any explanation for his claim that America's scientific and industrial advancements are the result of a 'resilient economy.' It is noteworthy that Ayatollah Khamenei has finally, albeit implicitly, found a commendable model in America. However, until now, no one has referred to the American economic model as 'resilient,' as the American economy has not been a top-down state economy but rather a free economy based on work, long-term planning, and future orientation. Jalil Roshandel, a political analyst in America, told Radio Farda, 'It is gratifying that Ayatollah Khamenei has finally, even implicitly, found a commendable model in America. However, until now, no one has called the American economic model 'resilient,' because the American economy has not been a top-down state economy but rather a free economy based on work, long-term planning, and future orientation. This means that American entrepreneurs have consistently been forward-looking throughout the socio-economic life of this country.' He added, 'The factors that led to the American economy being built on solid foundations include federal government support for the economic programs of institutions and entrepreneurs that were up to 100% non-governmental. The government provided security, and on the other hand, in the 19th century and until the early 20th century, America benefited from the geostrategic protection of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and did not participate in any international wars. In contrast, Iran has been involved in war since the establishment of the Islamic Republic, either in war with Iraq, or in war supporting this country, or in war supporting Syria and Yemen.' According to Mr. Roshandel, 'Americans themselves do not think of this economy as 'resilient,' but it does not matter whether we call it a 'resilient economy' or not. Certainly, modeling it is positive, provided that it does not mean that the hardworking classes suffer hunger at the expense of wealth accumulation and the rise of a few privileged classes.' The leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in his Nowruz message this year, named the year 1395 as the year of 'resilient economy, action, and implementation' and considered 'resilient economy' as 'the remedy for economic problems and the response to the demands of the people,' stating, 'With a resilient economy, we can fight unemployment and recession, control inflation, stand against the threats of enemies, and create and utilize many opportunities for the country.' In another part of his speech on Tuesday, the Iranian leader once again raised the issue of revolutionary and non-revolutionary forces, stating, 'I love and support the faithful and revolutionary youth, and I support them wherever they are, and it is the duty of university heads and relevant ministers to provide additional support for faithful and revolutionary youth in universities.' Ayatollah Khamenei has emphasized support for the radical spectrum as those he describes as 'faithful and revolutionary' and has attacked opponents for calling these 'youth' extremists. In this context, after a group of individuals attacked the Saudi embassy in Tehran, he stated, 'Some constantly repeat the term extremists, meaning the faithful and Hezbollah movement,' and 'We should not accuse revolutionary and Hezbollah youth of extremism because these youth are entirely sincere and present in the field, and whenever defense of borders and national identity is necessary, they are in the middle of the field.'