In his second audio message to the Iranian people, Ghalibaf said the enemy – in a new design – is seeking to pressure Tehran economically through a maritime blockade and create a media frenzy to break national cohesion and force surrender.
“The enemy has pinned great hope on economic pressure,” Ghalibaf said, while noting that “experts who specialize in Iran admit that the more economic pressure the Iranian nation faces, the more they will endure hardships for the sake of their country’s independence, dignity, faith and beliefs.”
He added, “I am surprised they still haven’t understood that the Iranian nation will give their lives but will not surrender.”
The speaker said authorities have a duty to work together to mitigate the effects of economic pressure on the population, and called on the government to communicate its plans and actions regarding price hikes to reassure the public.
“Final victory in this war will turn Iran into an effective player in the international system, and that will pave the way for the country’s material and spiritual progress,” Qalibaf said. “Naturally, achieving such a great accomplishment comes with hardships.”
He said the single most effective act of assistance citizens could offer is “savings,” describing it as a “missile that the people can fire into the heart of the enemy.”
Qalibaf made five specific requests:
First, he called on all citizens to practice savings themselves and seriously urge others to do the same.
Second, he urged everyone to help one another endure fewer hardships while achieving the great goal of victory and honor for Iran.
Third, he addressed members of the Basij volunteer force, asking them to prioritize and focus on following up on people’s needs.
Fourth, he called on experts and elites to provide officials with ideas and plans to resolve problems arising from the war.
Fifth, he appealed to Iranians abroad, saying, “Many of you have great economic capacities, many of you have great expert capacities, and many of you have effective communication capacities. Iran today needs every single one of you.”
He added: “You can become one of the greatest pillars of defeating Iran’s enemy with the huge capacities you possess.”
