“America Wants to Destroy Iran”: Mashhad Imam Warns Against Negotiations and Western Influence

According to Saed News citing ISNA, The Friday Prayer Imam of Mashhad, Hojjatoleslam Seyed Ahmad Alamolhoda, said that the United States is an enemy and is only satisfied with the destruction of Iran, aiming to partition the country.

On August 8 (17 Mordad), during the Friday prayers at the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS) in Mashhad, Alamolhoda referred to the anniversary of martyr Sarami and Journalist Day, stating: "One of our fronts of war is the media front, where the enemy is very active. The enemy acts mercilessly and cruelly, committing all kinds of crimes—from lying, slandering, and distorting realities and news—to any other hostile acts against our system and revolution. Meanwhile, on the opposite side, the frontline of the revolution is the frontline of journalists."

He emphasized the crucial role of information and news dissemination in countering enemy assaults: "Our revolutionary and responsible journalists are the first defensive line tasked with defeating and pushing back the enemy. They are sacrificing themselves fully in the path of the revolution. We have high hopes for our devoted journalist generation to prove their courage, power, and artistry in advancing the news field."

The representative of the Supreme Leader in Khorasan Razavi added that after the 12-day sacred defense war—where the enemy was defeated and failed in its objectives—the media front intensified beyond its original harshness, trying to distort all the war events imposed on us. They attempt to invert the heroism and steadfastness of our courageous nation against the enemy, as well as the pressure and turmoil they endured.

Alamolhoda continued: "The enemies try to blame us for the divisions, dispersions, and retreats they themselves suffered, and attribute the greatness and resistance shown by our people during the enemy’s aggression to themselves. Our courageous journalist warriors have the duty to confront the enemy and spread worldwide the grandeur of what our people achieved during the 12-day war."

He outlined five key insights gained from the 12-day sacred defense:

1. Recognition of the Leader: Despite previous affection, the war revealed a deeper bond and dependence on the Supreme Leader, both politically and spiritually connected to the Imam of the Time.

2. Faith in Security: While people suffer shortages and shortcomings, the war proved that nothing is worse than insecurity, and no possession is more valuable than security.

3. Understanding the Greatness of the People: The people discovered their strength and courage, realizing how much power and heroic unity they possess on the battlefield.

4. Understanding the Depth of U.S. Enmity: America is not just an enemy of our system or religion but of Iran as a whole. The U.S. wants to prevent a powerful Iran from standing against Israel. Alamolhoda claimed that the 12-day war was essentially a U.S. war, with some bombings conducted by American pilots and aircraft.

5. Realization That Western Alignment and Negotiations Do Not Solve Problems: Some advocated cooperation with the U.S., but when Iran was at the negotiation table, they attacked us. The 25-year Pahlavi era, dominated by Americans and their influence, did not bring security or prosperity.

He emphasized: "America is the enemy and wants nothing but the destruction of Iran. It aims to divide the country. If one day they overthrow the regime, they will disintegrate the nation."

Alamolhoda further warned that those who think negotiation and smiling at the West will solve Iran’s problems are mistaken. "The real resolution with America would be to open our gates to them so they can come, take whatever they want, destroy, and divide the country."

He concluded: "Every step we take pushing the enemy back is a victory; every step back gives the enemy ground to advance. Negotiations and smiling at the West mean handing over the field to the enemy."