Khamenei Should Offer a Plan to Save the Economy Instead of Just Words

Ayatollah Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, emphasized in his speech on the occasion of Eid al-Ghadir on Tuesday, September 30, that "wastefulness leads to the destruction of the economy," warning the government and other sectors of the state that the goal of the Islamic Republic's "enemy" is to "worsen the economic conditions of the people." In his speech, Khamenei urged his audience to avoid wastefulness and envy, as he claimed these excesses ultimately lead to the destruction of the economy. He once again remained silent regarding the dire state of Iran's economy, stating that the enemy is targeting the economy of Iran and Islam. Houshang Amir Ahmadi, a professor at a university in New Jersey, told Radio Farda that the wasteful individuals are government officials, and it would be better for Khamenei and other officials to present a plan to save Iran's economy instead of just words and criticism. Khamenei, in his speech, like in his previous speeches, did not identify the "enemy" but insisted that whatever he says is correct. Khamenei also stated that he is hopeful about the future based on letters he receives from young people. Ali Asghar Ramadanpour, a political analyst in London, commented on Khamenei's focus on the enemy as a cause of economic anomalies and his hope for the future, stating that Khamenei's emphasis on the enemy and expression of hope for the future is, on one hand, an evasion of responsibility and, on the other hand, an attempt to cover up existing concerns. In his speech on Tuesday, the leader of the Islamic Republic also emphasized that "in such circumstances, the duty of the government, parliament, and officials from various sectors, as well as the people, is to plan and act against the enemy's targeting."