Iran’s supreme leader urges Iranians to show ‘resolve’ against foreign pressure

By AFP 9 February 2026, 12:55 pm

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A giant billboard displaying a map of potential targets in Tel Aviv along with a warning message reading, 'You start, we finish!' is seen at Palestine Square as traffic move through the area, in Tehran on February 9, 2026. (ATTA KENARE / AFP)

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei calls on his compatriots to show “resolve” ahead of the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution this week.

Since the revolution, “foreign powers have always sought to restore the previous situation,” Khamenei says, referring to the period when Iran was under the rule of shah Reza Pahlavi and dependent on the United States.

“National power is less about missiles and aircraft and more about the will and steadfastness of the people,” the leader says, adding: “Show it again and frustrate the enemy.”