Simultaneously with the holding of the 12th National Elite Foundation Conference in Tehran, some of the Iranian leading elites and scientific talents met with the Islamic Revolution Leader Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei at Husseiniyah of Imam Khomeini (RA) on Wednesday morning. The Leader of the Islamic Revolution called the elites among the most precious assets of Iran.

Addressing the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei called the elites among the most precious assets of the country. “The presence of the youth, especially talented youth, engenders hope wherever they are. I truly thank God that now after the COVID-19 pandemic has diminished in our country, this lively, energetic, promising meeting is being held in person once again.”

“Natural resources are important, geographical locations are important, the climate is important, all of these are important, but one of the most important human assets of the country is the existence of the elite. An elite should be considered as a huge wealth. When we consider elites as huge wealth, we should try to create them.”

“Everyone, especially the officials and the most effective figures in the country, should consider the scientific elites as one of the most important assets of the country and support them, and the elites should turn their individual capacities and talents into the capital of the country’s progress,” he added.

Referring to the bright horizon of the country’s future, Ayatollah Khamenei said, “In the last forty-three years, they [enemies] have talked about the collapse of the Islamic Republic several times, but the stability and continuity of the [Ismaic ] Revolution showed that the analyses were wrong and unrealistic.”

Ayatollah Khamenei considered the scientific elites and the universities as important pillars of the country’s progress, adding that the enemy benefits from the closure of universities and the suspension of scientific activity, and for this reason, they have always tried for the closure of universities at various times.

The Leader of the Revolution also called the university one of the biggest obstacles to the domination of arrogance, saying, “The bullying world powers use weapons, deception and even science to dominate others and hold nations back, so a university that raises the level of the country’s science actually prevents the domination of the enemy.”

“After the Islamic Revolution, with the development of universities in all parts of the country, the stunning increase in the number of students and professors and the establishment of numerous research institutes and think tanks, the field for the development of science and elitism has been provided, and the goal of the Islamic Republic, which is the expansion of universities and the promotion of scientific ability, has been achieved,” the Leader noted.

Emphasizing that Iranian academics did not allow the country to remain in need of Westerners, Ayatollah Khamenei said, “Without any exaggeration, our academic elites are the cause of Iran’s reputation, and they aroused the admiration of the scientific societies of the world in every field, so others should appreciate you and I am very grateful to you.”

In describing some of the honors of Iranian elites and scientists, he mentioned the research and achievements of Royan Research Institute in fields such as stem cells and cloning of live animals, progress in biochemistry, launching satellites into space, fundamental achievements in the nuclear industry, production of complex vaccines such as Covid-19 vaccine and the stunning developments in the rocket and drone industries.

“A few years ago, when pictures of our advanced missiles & drones were published, they said they’re photoshopped pictures! Now they say Iranian drones are dangerous. Why do you sell them to so & so? These are feats carried out by Iranian elites. They bring honor to our country,” Imam Khamenei said.