Sadegh Zibakalam's Open Letter to Masoud Pezeshkian on the Eves of the President's First Speech on the Anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of Iran on February 11 | February 9, 2025

Was the Goal of the Revolution "Death to America" or "Long Live Freedom"?

Sadegh Zibakalam

Dear Dr. Masoud Bezhakian,
Honorable President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, May Your Authority Be Strengthened,

Greetings and regards,

There are only a couple of days left until the anniversary of the revolution and February 11. I do not know what you intend to say at Azadi Square on this occasion, but I sincerely hope that you do not merely repeat the same old words and slogans. Repetitive speeches have gradually become tiresome. Speak with the younger generation and those around you, and if they tell you that there are still some who take these words seriously, then feel free to disregard my remarks. One of the great misfortunes of the system is that its officials seem to live in another world, completely oblivious to the realities of society.

For a long time, I have wondered: Do our officials truly not know the state of the people and society? Or do they know but believe they have no choice but to carry out their "duty"?

I can somewhat understand the latter—after all, they see themselves as obligated to fulfill their mission, regardless of the hardships their policies have imposed on the people. These policies have continued for 46 years, and if life permits, they will likely continue for another 46. This much can be comprehended. What is difficult for me to grasp, however, is whether they are genuinely unaware of what is happening in the country and the suffering of the people. Do they simply assume that, while there are challenges, these will ultimately be resolved through the dedication of the faithful people and the commitment of revolutionary and devoted officials, leaving no cause for concern?

I find it unlikely that the President of the country is unaware of the nation's struggles. If, in your speech on February 11, you declare that "We are a wealthy country; we can; we must be able to; the key to solving our problems is national unity; our nation is rich with God-given natural resources; Iran is a wealthy country, abundant with natural resources," and so on—statements that essentially amount to saying "We can" or "We must be able to"—these are words we have repeated for 46 years.

Mr. Bezhakian, the real misfortune began when, after the revolution, we replaced its democratic goals—such as the rule of law, free elections, government accountability, freedom of speech, the absence of political prisoners, the right to criticize the government, and press freedom—with anti-imperialism, hostility toward America, enmity with Europe, the destruction of Israel, and the export of the revolution.