Khamenei: There is still a long way to go until the 'Formation of an Islamic Government and Society'

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, stated that there is still a long way to go to reach the desired point of 'forming an Islamic government and society'. According to the official website of Ayatollah Khamenei's office, he spoke to students on Tuesday, September 6, and called the interpretation of 'some individuals and writers' that the 'Islamic struggle and revolution have ended' as 'incorrect' and 'a betrayal of the revolution'. He said, 'The revolution disrupts past norms and creates new ones, and the continuity of the revolution means preserving the new norms.' He emphasized that the consolidation of 'revolutionary norms' and the 'creation of an Islamic society' still requires 'struggle'. Khamenei made these remarks two days after meeting with members of the twelfth government, where he deemed it important to 'maintain revolutionary and religious orientation and spirit in diplomacy' and emphasized, 'We must be proud of our revolution in diplomatic matters' and feel dignity in 'standing against imperialism, fighting oppression, and opposing the system of domination'. Khamenei had previously stated that, in his view, 'revolutionary behavior means that the officials of the country do not make it their goal to please the arrogant powers.' His comments contrast with what Hassan Rouhani has said about the message of people's participation in elections for continuing 'interaction with the world'. Khamenei's repeated emphasis comes at a time when Rouhani has repeatedly stressed the necessity of ending the 'era of revolutionary sentiments'. For instance, in a speech on July 9 of last year, he said, 'In every revolution, this is the case; there are many emotions, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years... 36 years, 37 years have passed since the revolution, we must clarify the realities, express them, so that our society knows what the reality is.' On Tuesday, Khamenei also referred to the 'stages of civilization-building' and said, 'Based on the revolutionary movement, the Islamic system was established, but there is still a long way to go to reach the desired point and to form an Islamic government and society.' The leader of the Islamic Republic emphasized, 'We are undoubtedly moving and progressing on this path.' Previously, Mohammad Ali Jafari, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, had identified the 'main danger' for Iran as 'the danger of non-revolutionary views and thoughts based on American Islam'. Jafari also stated that the Islamic revolution is in the stage of 'forming an Islamic government' and 'will successfully pass through this stage with new changes and developments.'