Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf calls for national unity: 'The enemy's plan is to weaken us'

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has released an audio message addressed to the Iranian people. In his message, Ghalibaf evaluated the country's economic conditions in relation to the wartime period and issued five calls to various segments of society both inside and outside the country, emphasizing "frugality," "mutual assistance," and "unity." Ghalibaf stated that the country has entered a "new period of war," adding, "In its new plan, the enemy aims to exert economic pressure through a naval blockade and conduct perception operations via the media. The goal is to break the unity and solidarity within the country and force us to surrender. Of course, we do not rule out the possibility of military attacks, especially terrorist attacks. However, the part of the enemy's plan that concerns society is to weaken Iran from within."

"Miscalculations will cause everyone to suffer"

Commenting on economic pressures, Ghalibaf said, "The enemy has pinned great hopes on economic pressure. It appears that they have once again been provided with incorrect information and have made flawed decisions accordingly. However, these miscalculations will cause everyone to suffer. Even experts on Iran admit that no matter how much economic pressure increases, the Iranian people will continue to endure these hardships for the sake of their country's independence, honor, and beliefs."

"The enemies still have not understood that the Iranian people will not surrender"

Stating that the Iranian people act with historical consciousness, Ghalibaf said, "With the awareness gained throughout history, the Iranian people have understood very well that they must stand against this enemy in this sensitive period of the country, no matter how difficult it may be. Because the enemy thought it could destroy Iranian civilization with its empty dreams. I am surprised that the enemies still have not understood that the Iranian people will not surrender, even if they give their lives. They still have not grasped that our people see themselves as responsible for the future of Iran and Islam, and that they act in a way that will make future generations proud of their parents."

"Important responsibilities fall upon the people"

Stating that the impact of economic pressures must be reduced, Ghalibaf expressed that all institutions must act in coordination. Ghalibaf added, "In this process, important responsibilities fall not only on state officials but also on the people. Officials are aware that the war has entered a new phase and know that their roles have become more critical in this period than in the past. Therefore, as in times of war, one must be in the field with a planned, determined, and mobilizing spirit. I would like to express to our dear people here that the country's senior and mid-level managers are following developments seriously." he said.

"We must not forget that the enemy is watching us closely."

Ghalibaf stated, "We must not forget that the enemy is watching us closely. Therefore, information that they could exploit should not be shared. Know that we are also supporting the government in meetings held outside of the media, and we are closely monitoring economic developments, especially the rising cost of living. I also ask the government to share the programs, reports, and steps taken regarding price hikes with the public. This way, the public can feel more trust and comfort by seeing that officials are closely following the process." he added.

"The final victory will transform Iran into an influential actor in the international system."

Addressing the Iranian people, Ghalibaf stated that the country is facing one of the greatest wars in its contemporary history, noting, "From the beginning of the revolution until today, we have solved every problem we could with your support, and today you must step directly into the field. The final victory to be achieved in this war will transform Iran into an influential actor in the international system, and this will pave the way for the country's material and spiritual progress. Achieving such a great gain will, of course, have some difficulties." he said.

"The missile the people can fire at the enemy is frugality"

Stating that the most effective help everyone can provide to their country is frugality, Ghalibaf said, "The missile that the people can fire into the heart of the enemy is one word: Frugality." Asking the Iranian people to both practice frugality themselves and encourage those around them to do the same, Ghalibaf called for the relaunch of aid movements similar to the "Iran Hamdel" campaign during the COVID-19 period.

"Basij Forces must take to the field"

Calling on the Basij Forces, which are affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Ghalibaf stated that the Basij has played a leading role in solving the country's problems since the revolution, adding, "Today is the time for the Basij to take to the field more actively. Everyone witnessed the effective activities of the Basij in different areas during the third war period. Our expectation from Basij members, who operate especially in mosques, neighborhoods, and different segments of society, is that they take on more responsibility in solving the people's problems. In this process, your priority should be to follow up on the people's issues. The Basij needs to act as a bridge between the public, government officials, and philanthropists. The government and state institutions should also make more use of the Basij's capabilities, especially in neighborhoods. Because there are some tasks that the Basij performs that no other institution can carry out," he said.

"Experts and Iranians abroad must get involved"

Calling on experts and academics, Ghalibaf stated that he had received numerous suggestions and that a significant portion of them were useful. Ghalibaf said, "Therefore, our expectation from experts and elite figures is that they take action without waiting to be consulted. Share your solution proposals and ideas directly with the authorities. I am also asking the Parliament Research Center to establish the necessary mechanisms to collect these views and to announce this to the public and experts," he said.

Addressed Iranians abroad

Addressing Iranians living abroad, Ghalibaf said, "With the great resources you possess, you can be one of the most significant factors in defeating Iran's enemy. Of course, embassies and state institutions must prepare the necessary ground to utilize these resources. However, my experience in management shows that if you only wait for institutions to take action, it is difficult to achieve results. Today is the time to persistently and decisively push the authorities to act. You must ensure that your resources are used to support Iran. You know best in which areas and how you can contribute to Iran."

At the end of his message, thanking all Iranian people with different political and religious views, Ghalibaf stated, "I convey my loyalty and prayers to all the Iranian people, wherever they may be in the world."