In a message addressed to the nation’s elites—including scientific and athletic medalists who have excelled on the global stage—the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, highlighted the unparalleled role played by these young elites and high achievers in the scientific and athletic arenas. Describing them as embodiments of hope, progress, and vitality for the country, the Supreme Leader identified the breaking of scientific frontiers by these elites as the key to making Iran "ever stronger." He emphasized that, in line with the overarching strategic principle that "knowledge is power" (*al-‘ilmu sulṭān*), the nation’s progress requires a profound and rapid scientific surge. He further urged officials to not only provide the necessary infrastructure and environment for this scientific leap but also to fully harness the individual potential and collective wisdom of these elites.
The text of the Supreme Leader’s message—which was read this evening by Hojjatoleslam val-Moslemin Haj Ali-Akbari during a ceremony honoring scientific and athletic medalists (an event titled "Medalists Who Love Their Country")—is as follows:
In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
These days, according to one account, coincide with the anniversary of the martyrdom of the Mistress and Lady of the women of Paradise—the Pure and Truthful one (*al-Ṣiddīqat al-Ṭāhirah*), Fatimah al-Zahra (peace and blessings of God be upon her). It is remarkable that the exact time of her martyrdom remains unknown—much like the honorable resting place of that divine light, which remains hidden; indeed, her true stature and exalted rank transcend human comprehension. She stands as an exemplary figure in worship, devotion, and servitude to God. She stands as the supreme example of dedicated, all-encompassing companionship with the Great Prophet, and of spirited defense of the *Wilayah* (guardianship/leadership) of the Commander of the Faithful—may the blessings and peace of God be upon them both and their progeny. She is a paragon of profound insight and instruction, of discerning the right moment to rise for the truth, of steadfastness, and of the clear articulation of the faith. She is a premier model of patience, self-sacrifice, altruism, selfless service to society, and solidarity with others. She serves as an exemplar in her roles as a wife and mother, in the upbringing of her children—the lineage of the Pure Imams (peace be upon them), who are the leaders of humanity—and as a model of diligence, striving, *jihad* (earnest struggle), purity, virtue, piety, spiritual radiance, and inner light. In short, she is an ideal for all faithful men and women. Among the brilliant virtues of the "Fatimah-inspired" society is that it provides a roadmap for significant social movements—guiding participation in arenas of struggle, *jihad*, and grassroots action—and fosters a drive for progress in scientific fields, as well as a spirit of humble, selfless service for the revolutionary, Muslim nation of Iran.
At this juncture, our beloved Iran stands primarily as a manifestation of resolve and hope; the role of Iran’s elites—its talented and capable youth—in fostering this hope, driving progress, and advancing toward a brilliant future is truly unique and irreplaceable. However, the scope of "being an elite" is not confined merely to the realms of science, technology, sports, or specific technical skills. Any form of positive and desirable excellence can constitute such elite status. Today, we witness the excellence of individuals from this land who, looking toward a broader horizon, strive earnestly to elevate the sacred banner of their homeland. These individuals are the elite of insight and *jihad* (striving). We regard figures like Riz-Ali Khajavi and Ali Landi as members of an elite whose names ought to be inscribed upon the entrances of our cultural institutions. Among such exemplary figures in our society are the martyrs and those who made great sacrifices—individuals who, by offering their own lives and well-being, profoundly shaped the destiny of Islamic Iran and its cherished nation, thereby receiving the medal of servitude to the One True God.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the entire nation, as well as each of the high achievers, on the numerous medals, awards, and scientific honors recently secured in Olympiads—covering fields such as astronomy and astrophysics, mathematics, earth sciences, geography, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science and artificial intelligence, and the humanities—as well as various recent sporting achievements. I also wish to express my deep appreciation and gratitude for the resolve and determination shown by those who lead the vanguard of honor and hope—the standard-bearers of the nation’s progress across all elite circles, ranging from adolescents and youth to mentors, professors, and distinguished scholars.
The motivation and hope harbored by these elites to drive transformation within the country constitute a radiant flame—one that I have witnessed, both from afar and up close, over the course of many years and decades. Observing this grand, hope-inspiring movement among the elite—this scientific momentum—manifested through repeated, consistent, and annual triumphs in academic disciplines, Olympiads, and sports, is a source of immense pride and honor for the entire Iranian nation. The brilliant rankings achieved by our nation’s diligent athletes across various disciplines in recent days and months—along with the setting of new records—bear witness to their hard work, determination, willpower, and faith. These athletes—who, through their physical prowess, spiritual and moral strength, faith, and persistent effort, bolster the stature of our beloved Iran in the eyes of all nations, and showcase the vitality of the zealous Iranian people to the entire world; those female athletes who bring global radiance to the proud symbol of the Iranian woman’s modest attire; and those medalists who instill joy and enthusiasm in the hearts of the Iranian nation while bringing honor to the proud flag of Islamic Iran—each, in their own capacity, plays a significant role in giving substance to a "Strong Iran."
Given that this period is one of vibrancy and a renewed focus on science and research within our universities, seminaries, and schools, I deem it fitting to share a few brief words with those who cherish knowledge—the nation’s elites and the learned figures of our beloved Iran.
Being an "elite" is a divine blessing and a gift; its core foundation lies in talent and intelligence—a vast, God-given endowment possessed by the Iranian nation, and especially by our country’s youth. It is a dictate of both reason and devotion that one should express proper gratitude for such a divine blessing. When this gratitude is manifested across all levels—in the heart, through speech, and in action—it paves the way for that blessing to reach its full potential. Appreciating the gift of being exceptionally talented must begin with the gifted individual themselves, followed by their surrounding environment—encompassing parents, family, teachers, and mentors, as well as the atmosphere within schools, universities, and the national system—so that this potential may be nurtured, expanded, and utilized effectively.
...nurture and expand this capacity, and employ it in the proper manner. Consequently, an elite individual bears a heavier responsibility—a form of "practical gratitude" for this gift—and it is fitting that, alongside cultivating and developing their own elite potential, they apply this talent in the best possible way toward resolving the challenges facing the nation and society.
An elite individual is not someone who, merely by virtue of possessing remarkable talent and intelligence, stands apart from others to pursue only fleeting, personal desires. Rather, an elite individual is one who is committed to developing their own talents, views themselves as an effective agent within society, and leverages their abilities and potential to foster the growth of both themselves and their community. The Iranian elite have demonstrated that knowledge and talent can be transformed into tools for addressing the real-world problems of the people and the nation. Across diverse fields—ranging from stem cells, nanotechnology, and biotechnology to advanced aerospace, industry, mining, medicine, agriculture, nuclear science, energy, and infrastructure—they have sought to put their scientific knowledge and elite capabilities to practical use. We can all observe the tangible results and manifestations of this progressive endeavor in our everyday lives. The generation of electricity in power plants using Iranian-made turbines; the deployment of knowledge-based technology in desalination plants on the southern islands; the use of agricultural drones over farms, orchards, and northern rice paddies to optimize farming operations and manage water and soil resources; the birth of children to previously infertile couples through advanced reproductive technologies; the diagnosis and treatment of intractable diseases using radiopharmaceuticals; the monitoring of land, water, and crops via remote-sensing satellites; and the enhancement of productivity and food security through scientific and technological innovations—these are merely a few examples of this vast and highly beneficial body of achievements. Many other such instances—particularly within the defense and military sectors—have repeatedly stunned the world, and this trend is set to continue in the future.
A "Strong Iran" is founded upon scientific and technological prowess; this pillar serves as a critical factor in Iran’s ability to exert influence within the equations of the emerging global order. Consequently, the key to further strengthening the nation lies in the ability of its elites to push beyond existing boundaries and devise solutions for the country’s scientific challenges. The malice and criminal acts perpetrated by the enemies of Islamic Iran against its scientists and elites underscore the pivotal role these individuals play in the nation’s strength. The adversary—who assassinates our prominent scientists and influential elites—whether during the "second" and "third" imposed wars, or in the years prior, within academic settings and their daily lives—cannot bear to witness Iran’s progress and authority. This enemy employs every tool and tactic at its disposal to undermine the elites of our cherished Iran. From inducing despair and hopelessness to seizing their minds and souls—ensnaring them within the maw of neo-colonialism and transforming them into mere cogs in the machinery of Western plunder and capitalism—the adversaries fail to realize one thing: every single drop of blood shed by this nation’s martyrs—its elites, scientists, professors, university students, and schoolchildren—has unleashed, and continues to unleash, a tempest of resolve and progress.
The Iranian nation remains mindful of its ancient civilizational heritage, its diverse achievements in science and technology, and its legacy of world-renowned luminaries and scholars. At the same time, it remembers the two centuries of severe backwardness and historical passivity endured during the Qajar and Pahlavi eras. This nation fully grasps the profound significance of the triumphant, overarching strategy encapsulated by the maxim "Knowledge is Power" (*al-‘ilmu sulṭān*). It recognizes the fruits of this approach: the rejection of Western scientific hegemony, and the rapid scientific and research-driven advancement of its elites over the past three decades—a progress largely attributable to the specific initiatives and guidance of the exalted, martyred Leader (may his pure soul be sanctified). If, prior to the current juncture—marked by what can be termed the "third imposed war"—a renewed scientific surge was merely a vital recommendation for the nation’s elites, the experience of the last two conflicts has proven to all that this scientific resurgence must be both profound and rapidly accelerated. To this end, it is essential that—in addition to the officials of various institutions and centers for science, research, and technology—every single member of Iran’s elite and intellectual community dedicates themselves to their primary mission: building a glorious future for Islamic Iran and fostering its progress and prosperity. In doing so, they should pay close attention to the following points:
First, there must be a serious, practical, and precise plan for the advancement of basic sciences and the humanities within the country. The growth and development of basic sciences—such as physics, chemistry, the life sciences, and mathematics—serve as the fundamental pillars for all other sciences and applied technologies; they are the driving force behind the nation’s scientific and technological progress. Any nation that has achieved greatness has done so through the basic sciences; without development in these fields, a country will inevitably remain behind.
Second, a continuous focus must be maintained on uncovering new truths, pushing the boundaries of basic sciences, and engaging in an ongoing pursuit to solve well-known, unresolved problems within these fields—particularly in mathematics—as a core objective and ultimate goal.
Secondly, a continuous focus should be maintained on discovering unknown truths, pushing the boundaries of basic sciences, and engaging in an ongoing pursuit to solve well-known, unresolved problems within these fields—mathematics in particular—as a primary objective.
Thirdly, creativity and innovation are the cornerstones of a scientific surge. Fostering creativity and constructive imagination—essential drivers of growth and breakthroughs across virtually all scientific disciplines—is vital. Equally important are scientific courage (the boldness to innovate and create) and the cultivation of both individual and national self-confidence to explore new, uncharted paths. Establishing meaningful and attractive incentives for anyone who demonstrates effective creativity is instrumental in laying the groundwork for this endeavor.
Fourthly, self-reliance in addressing scientific challenges, the development of infrastructure, and the resolution of technological bottlenecks—enabling engagement and operations beyond national borders—collectively strengthen the internal foundation, thereby opening new horizons on a global scale.
Fifthly, providing opportunities for talented individuals in empirical and applied fields—for instance, by bridging the gap between industry and academia as early as the initial years of university study, and by facilitating the development of knowledge-based enterprises—plays a crucial role in the practical application of knowledge and the advancement of these high-achieving individuals. Aligning the nation’s scientific and technological capacities—and strengthening the ties between elites, academic and research institutions, knowledge-based companies, industries, and even startups—while supported by executive bodies throughout the entire chain from knowledge generation to end-use, can effectively shift the focus of professors and students from university laboratories and research centers to industrial workshops and factories. This rapid leap forward can only be realized when the economic benefits and commercial potential of products and services are integrated with the motivation and resolve of the elites, thereby establishing a stable and enduring connection between the spheres of science and research, on the one hand, and industry and the consumer market, on the other.
Furthermore, the direct and effective participation of elites—from both academic and seminary backgrounds, across theoretical and empirical disciplines—in the processes of planning and policymaking will significantly contribute to the nation’s progress. It is the duty of officials to fully leverage the individual capabilities, rational insight, and collective wisdom of these committed elites.
If this path is pursued correctly, the centers of gravity for knowledge—particularly in certain fundamental sciences—will gradually shift from Western nations to Iran. In the not-too-distant future, the country will attain a position of scientific and technological authority. Consequently, the vision articulated by our wise, martyred leader—may his noble station be exalted—regarding the elevation of the Persian language to the status of a global reference language for science, will be fully realized. May the profound and rapid scientific surge of the nation’s elites and intellectuals—along with the comprehensive advancement of an ever-stronger Iran—be realized and made possible, through the blessing of the blood of the martyrs within the realm of the elite, and through the benevolent prayers of our Master and Leader (may God hasten his noble reappearance), all in pursuit of the realization of a new Islamic-Iranian civilization.
Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei
