Revolution I: Rouhani's Speech

February 11, 2015

On February 11, President Hassan Rouhani addressed a crowd in Tehran’s Azadi Square, commemorating the 36th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. In his remarks, he praised Iran’s blend of religion and electoral politics, claiming that “the roots and principles of the revolution remain unchangeable.” His speech touched on the ongoing nuclear talks with the world's six major powers. “What we are offering is to reach a win-win agreement in which Iran will show transparency in its peaceful nuclear activities,” he said. Rouhani also discussed Iran's role in the Middle East, claiming that stability in the region cannot be achieved without Iran's involvement.

The following are excerpts from Rouhani’s speech.
 
“Thirty-six years ago our people demanded independence, freedom, and Islamic Republic and these ideals have remained unchanged up to now.”
 
“As our beloved Imam said, our Islam is our Republic and our Republic is our Islam. We believe that the best way to materialize the will of people is to practice the Islamic teachings.”
 
“The roots and principles of the revolution remain unchangeable.”
 
“We defended our independence in the war and now we are doing the same at the negotiating table.”
 
“Today, only the enemies of this nation are against negotiations. The Zionists are doing their best but the world is aware of their treason.”
 
“What we are offering is to reach a win-win agreement in which Iran will show transparency in its peaceful nuclear activities.”
 
“And the other side must end its wrong, inhumane and illegal sanctions. This is in the interest of both sides. They too need this.”
 
“If there is going to be peace and stability in the region, and terrorism is to be uprooted, there is no other way than with the presence of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
 
“You've seen in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen that the power that could help those nations against terrorist groups was the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
 
Iran’s guiding principle in foreign policy is “constructive interaction with the world in line with protecting the Islamic Republic’s interests, principles, and ideals.”
 
“In the oil and gas field, in spite of the sanctions and pressures, we have had amazing progress…In the space of a year oil production has increased from 2.7 million b/d to 2.9 million b/d.”
 
Translations via president.ir, AFP, Reuters, Mehr News, Platts