Tehran, IRNA – Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has emphasized that the root cause of the problems in the West Asia region is the presence of the United States and certain European countries.

The Supreme Leader made these remarks in Tehran on Wednesday morning while addressing a group of Iranian elites and top students. He noted that the root of the problems – which create conflicts, wars, concerns, and hostilities – stems from the presence of those who claim to advocate for peace and tranquility in the region, namely the United States and certain European countries.

Ayatollah Khamenei went on to say that if they stopped their wicked practices in this region, undoubtedly, these conflicts and confrontations would completely disappear, and the regional countries could govern the region and live together in peace and security.

He mentioned that one day, they provoke a country, as they did with someone like Saddam Hussein (the late dictator of Iraq), leading to hard and bitter situations. The Supreme Leader added that when Saddam was gone, his supporters were gone too; then, the bond between Iran and Iraq grew, especially during events such as the Arbaeen pilgrimage.

He continued by saying that the presence of those who today falsely claim to advocate for regional peace is the main source of the problems in this region.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Supreme Leader expressed sorrow over the martyrdom of Lebanon’s Hezbollah Leader Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah, stating that his loss is deeply felt and calling it a major event.

Ayatollah Khamenei added that he would provide further comments on Lebanon’s situation and the great martyr in the near future.

The Supreme Leader further emphasized that the presence of the elite and the factors contributing to paving the way for this group are among the most important assets of the Islamic country, stating that the primary factor for creating the elite is intelligence, and Iran is one of the leading states in the world in this regard.

Ayatollah Khamenei also argued that attention to the elite and the nurturing of talent were completely neglected prior to the victory of the Islamic Revolution, adding that after that the Islamic Republic attached importance to the various capabilities of the elite.

He considered preserving and multiplying the elite and preventing their emigration in pursuit of baseless wishes contingent upon the elite’s sense of impact and effectiveness for the country.

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