Why it matters:
Ghalibaf’s remarks suggest that Iran views the war as a turning point in its confrontation with global powers, and the ceasefire request is a sign of strategic victory and ideological resilience for Tehran.
What he's saying:
Speaking at the unveiling of the cultural collection “Simorgh: Iran’s Anti-Colonial Legacy”, Ghalibaf linked the current conflict to Iran’s historical struggle against foreign domination.
He referenced a 1963 speech by Ayatollah Khomeini (RA) in Qom, where he denounced the Shah for being “a servant of Israel and the United States,” calling it a foundational moment in Iran’s revolutionary consciousness.
Ghalibaf positioned Iran’s ideological and military posture as a bulwark against global hegemony, arguing that the Islamic Revolution remains the core reason behind continued foreign hostility toward Iran.
Ghalibaf added that October 7 marked the most intense attack on Israel since its founding, stating: “Never before has such fire rained down on the regime.”
“From day seven and eight of the war, I personally witnessed the cries of both Trump and Netanyahu for a ceasefire. That was a lesson they learned, one rooted in faith and awareness.”
Historical framing:
Ayatollah Khomeini (RA) established a religiously grounded political system that expelled foreign influence and inspired regional resistance. Quds Day is a symbol of this awakening, asserting that Iran’s Islamic Revolution continues to serve as a guardian and savior of the nation.
Go deeper:
Iran's FM Responds to Trump's Ceasefire Claim
Hossein Amiri - Hossein Amiri