In a Friday sermon in Tehran, Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati addressed Iranian leaders, saying: "If we, the people, are against America, you must oppose it too." "Death to America is the first option on our table," said Jannati, and the crowds responded with chants of "Death to America."
Following are excerpts from the sermon, which was broadcast on Iran's Channel 1 on February 21, 2014:
Click here to view this clip on MEMRI TV
Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati: "One of our slogans this year has been: 'We are excited that all options are on the table.' In other words, we are laughing with contempt at America. Who are you trying to intimidate? [...]
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"We say [to the Americans]: Come if you are real men. This has been the message of our people: We are excited that all options are on the table. But what are the options on our own table? Death to America is the first option on our table."
Crowd: "Death to America.
"Death to America.
"Death to America.
"Death to America."
Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati: "This is the slogan of our entire people without exception. This is our number one slogan. There have been other slogans and messages. Our message is unity.
"Regardless of our disputes, when it comes to America, we are unanimous. When it comes to the enemy, we are unanimous. Our internal disagreements will not make us forget the enemy. [...]
"We have no fear of the enemy. We have no fear of death. Do not threaten us. [...]
"If we, the people, are against America, you [Iranian leaders] must oppose it too. The people cannot go one way, while you go the other way. There are some individuals in this country who are building an underground network, in order to establish ties with America. I don't know what they drank from America's goblet that they are so eager to follow them. [...]
"First of all, you should know that what you are doing is futile. Whatever secret meetings you attend and whatever messages you exchange – the people are not with you, and nothing can happen before the people wants it. The entire people is behind the Supreme Leader. [...]
"They tell us that we must compromise on the nuclear issue. They tell us to stop our missile program. Who gave you permission to tell us what to do? Who gives you the right to interfere in our country's affairs? What business do you have with our missile program? We must have defensive capabilities. Are we supposed to get rid of these capabilities, so you can attack us at will?" [...]
