tehran, May 24
Dr. Abdul Majid Hakim Elahi, representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, attended the Taziati Jalsa and Majlis-e-Tahrim (mourning gathering) held at Dargah-e-Fatman on Saturday night as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Elahi said that the people of India respect justice and fairness and always stand with the truth during difficult times. He added that the relationship between India and Iran is centuries old and described Varanasi as “nothing less than a gem.”
Referring to Iran’s nuclear policy, Dr. Elahi said, “Thirty years ago, we made it clear that we do not possess nuclear weapons. It was also made clear that we do not want them. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a fatwa declaring the possession of nuclear weapons as forbidden.”
He further stated, “We do not possess any nuclear bombs and have no intention of possessing them in the future. Once our Supreme Leader issued the fatwa, the question of developing nuclear weapons became irrelevant.” Dr. Elahi attended the mourning gathering organised at Imania Arabic College and Dargah Fatman in Kashi and thanked the people of India for their support towards Iran. Speaking about the current situation in Iran, he said conditions in the country were gradually improving and that the people remained hopeful despite the challenges. “The whole world has witnessed the spirit and courage displayed by the Iranian people. Every citizen stands firmly with the country under all circumstances,” he said. Commenting on the Strait of Hormuz, Dr. Elahi said the strategic waterway had remained open for thousands of years until February 28, 2026, benefiting countries across the world without dispute.
Referring to the tensions that emerged after February 28, he said the world should identify who created the crisis and for what purpose.
“Iran did not create any problems. Iran has always worked towards ensuring everyone’s safety. The Strait of Hormuz is vital not only for the Middle East but for the entire world,” he added.
Dr. Elahi also said that the people of Iran were mentally prepared to face economic sanctions and had strengthened themselves to deal with such challenges over the next decade.
Praising Kashi, he said, “Kashi is not merely a city, but a centre of spirituality, unity and philosophy. Students from our country have also been studying at Banaras Hindu University. The relationship between India and Iran is not new, but thousands of years old.”
He added that the people of Iran hoped for peace to return soon and were fully prepared to sacrifice for their freedom, land and country.
