Remarks of Professor Nourmifidi in His Advanced Lecture (Kharij) on the Occasion of the Assassination of Martyr Fakhrizadeh

The enemy must be frustrated in achieving their multi-faceted objectives behind the assassination of the nuclear scientist.

These assassinations and bloodshed not only fail to create an obstacle in the path of the Iranian nation and the Revolution, but they actually increase the motivations for further efforts, serve as a source of unity and cohesion, and strengthen the spirit of resistance within the body of the nation.

The reality is that losing such dedicated, scholarly, far-sighted, managerial, and forward-looking figures is deeply regrettable and detrimental. It is highly regrettable and costly for society to be deprived of such figures who, for many years, quietly and without publicity, brought honor to the country and became a source of pride not only for the Iranian nation but also for the entire Islamic Ummah. The enemies who committed this crime did so precisely with multi-faceted objectives in mind. Describing this martyr, some details have been shared over the past couple of days that truly deepen one’s regret—his commitment, his knowledge, his being up-to-date, and his dedication to keeping track of and studying the latest scientific developments in his field with utmost precision. Sometimes one simply gathers information, but at other times, one contemplates and studies these matters deeply, which is a great merit in itself. He should serve as a role model for all our scholars and students, both in the seminary (Hawzah) and the university, in terms of academic endeavor and monitoring global scientific developments. This is highly important.

Sometimes we limit ourselves and summarize our academic endeavors solely within the framework of our discussions and classes; however, at other times, we view academic endeavors beyond these limitations, realizing that such endeavors create value for ourselves, for our nation, and for the entire Islamic Ummah. Having scientists within the Islamic Ummah who keep their countries and the Ummah independent from foreign reliance is extremely valuable. This path must continue.

This martyr rendered significant services to this country and the Revolution. Wherever there was a need, he stepped in, possessing initiative and creativity. This issue of self-belief, self-confidence, and seeking independence in all dimensions—to shorten the hand of foreigners over the Iranian nation so we do not remain dependent on them—is the greatest merit, which everyone should be proud of and strive toward. Therefore, the reality is that this occurrence was truly a matter of deep regret and loss.

However, the enemies who committed this act certainly had multi-faceted objectives. One was to eliminate this useful and effective figure himself and halt his scientific efforts. Another objective they pursued was to intimidate other scientists and researchers so they would not enter this field. Intimidating the Iranian nation so they abandon their correct path of self-belief, self-reliance, self-confidence, and resistance, as well as creating obstacles in the path of strengthening Iran’s deterrent power and defense capabilities, were among the other objectives they pursued and continue to pursue.

For years, they have created problems for us over our nuclear program based on their double standards. We must intelligently strengthen our defense and deterrent power. Many capabilities are not necessarily meant for physical deployment or use, but their deterrent aspect is highly important. Today, the concept of deterrence is an extremely effective factor in the power and authority of a country. Some may ask, “What do we need nuclear energy for? What do we need missiles for?” If they were familiar with the realm of politics, they would know that deterrent power is one of the important components of national power. Of course, I do not mean to imply that deterrence is limited to this; these items are essential, but indeed a strong economy, the connection of the people to a political system, a high level of culture, and a combination of these elements raise the capacity of the country. However, this aspect is also necessary in any case. If we say we should only solve economic issues and set these aside, it does not seem that we would be able to stand against excessive demands in the future.

Yet, our enemies have experienced this repeatedly; they know, and they must know, that these assassinations and bloodshed not only fail to create an obstacle in the path of the Iranian nation and the Revolution, but they also increase the motivations for further efforts, serve as a source of unity and cohesion, and strengthen the spirit of resistance within the body of the nation. As it has been throughout all these years, these martyrdoms have brought about greater movement and power for the nation. God willing, as the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution stated, the responsible bodies will identify and punish the commanders, perpetrators, and all those who played a role in this assassination with greater speed and seriousness, so that no one else will dare to commit such acts of aggression.

The second point mentioned by the Supreme Leader is that these efforts must continue with strength and speed; meaning, he defined two fronts and realms for retaliation. One is taking revenge against the orchestrators and perpetrators, and the other is the continuation of this movement and endeavor.

God willing, with precision, vigilance, and care, we must strive to prevent such bitter incidents from occurring. May God unite the soul of that martyr with the souls of the martyrs, the soul of the Magnificent Imam [Imam Khomeini], His saints, and Sayyid al-Shuhada [the Prince of Martyrs, Imam Husayn].