Alireza Zakani, the Mayor of Tehran, emphasized the necessity of national power and the country's security during the television program 'Revenge' on the Ofogh TV network, stating that there is no deadlock in the country. He said: "The enemy must know that if they invade, they will face a response." Zakani highlighted the various dimensions of avenging the country's martyrs and the importance of maintaining social cohesion and the role of officials in strengthening national power.
Memories of the Martyr Leader of the Revolution
The Mayor of Tehran began this conversation by referring to his first meeting with the martyr leader of the revolution in 1997, saying: "In that meeting, various topics were discussed, and he patiently listened to our words." Zakani recalls that the session lasted about 35 minutes, during which the martyr leader of the revolution listened carefully and smiled. After that, he spent about an hour sharing points that were enlightening for Zakani and his colleagues.
Zakani continued: "The martyr leader of the revolution emphasized that student activities should not be limited to engaging with those who are similar to us in appearance and thought, but we should also be able to convey our message to those who may appear different from us." This advice opened a new horizon for Zakani to actively reach out to individuals who may not share his appearance.
Responsibility in the JCPOA Negotiations
In another part of the program, Zakani referred to the period of the JCPOA negotiations, saying: "At the time negotiations were ongoing, some believed that the martyr leader of the revolution should manage them and we should not interfere. However, we thought we could help the government stand more firmly against the United States." He mentioned his three visits to the office of the martyr leader of the revolution, stating: "In these meetings, he emphasized the necessity of fulfilling individual responsibilities and said: 'What do you care about my thoughts? Go fulfill your duty.'"
Zakani stressed the importance of this experience, saying: "Individuals should not refrain from fulfilling their responsibilities merely based on speculation about the leader's opinion. If officials and elites act based on insight and clear principles, they can provide more capacity for decision-making to the leadership." He pointed out the importance of individuals' ability to take on larger responsibilities, stating: "A society that is intellectually and socially empowered can create a more effective support for major national decision-making."
Zakani also emphasized that fulfilling duties should be accompanied by clear criteria and standards and should be carried out within the framework of the principles and interests of society. He noted that an individual may think they are fulfilling their duty, but if the result of their action creates division and social rift, they should reconsider their approach.
In conclusion, Zakani, reflecting on his experiences from the post-Islamic Revolution period, said: "The martyr leader of the revolution stood firm on his positions during critical political moments, and I do not consider them to be susceptible to imposition. The conditions of society may influence decision-making, but this does not mean imposing others' opinions on the leadership."
