The Islamic Revolution that triumphed in Iran on February 11, 1979, has undoubtedly changed regional and international equations.

All agree that the mystery behind its power and continuing impact was the foresight of the Father of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini (may his soul rest in peace). As noted by the present Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Iranian people's movement marks the start of a new era in not only Iran's history but also of the region and the world. He said the main characteristic that distinguishes the Islamic Revolution from the other movements is its Islamic nature and its loyalty to religious principles. He added that it is God Almighty Who protects the Islamic Revolution. Ayatollah Khamenei recalled the words of the late Imam Khomeini who said: since the very beginning of the Islamic Revolution I felt that Divine Power was speeding up the process. In view of this fact, said Ayatollah Khamenei the Islamic Revolution continues to spread spiritual values and Islamic vigilance in the Muslim World. He considers the role of the Iranian people as basic and says the Iranian nation inspired world Muslims through its exemplary self-sacrifice in hoisting the banner of Islamic dignity. This is evident all over the Islamic world and even beyond. The other major characteristic of the Islamic Revolution of Iran is its popular appeal to the masses because of its Islamic nature, said Ayatollah Khamenei. He said the people were the main owners of the Islamic Revolution and thus preserving this divine gift is the responsibility of all people.

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution advised the people to preserve their unity and solidarity in order to achieve the goals envisioned by the Late Imam. He said the message of the Islamic Revolution is unity and solidarity among Muslims worldwide. The main manifestation of the popular nature of the Islamic Revolution is the people's role in electing the country's senior officials, which Ayatollah Khamenei refers as popular religious rule of the people. The Iranian nation today determines its own fate without the dictates of foreign powers. Over the past 31 years, the Iranian nation has held as many elections for choosing the country's presidents, members of parliaments, members of the assembly of experts, and members of local councils. The Leader noted that this unique popular religious rule on the basis of Islam distinguishes Iran from western democracies and their ills. The massive presence of the Iranian people in the June, 2009 presidential election indicates the success of the Islamic system despite the passing of 30 years. About 85 percent of eligible voters took part in the presidential election, and it was for this reason the enemies of the Islamic Republic tried to create disturbances in Iran but without success.

Ayatollah Khamenei said that according to Imam Khomeini spirituality is blended with politics and these two are not separate from each other. All of the late Imam's behaviors were based on God, spirituality and service to mankind, he said. This is evident by the simple life he lived. Today also the senior officials of the Islamic Republic lead simple life. Social justice is one of the most important teachings of Islam. For this reason, the Islamic Revolution of Iran attaches great significance to implementation of justice in different fields. Ayatollah Khamenei says social justice should be observed in all programs of the government and even in the field of development. He underlined that justice should not be sacrificed for the sake of progress and development. Development should be balanced so that people from all walks of life, particularly the deprived and poor people should enjoy welfare.

Among the other unique characteristics of the Islamic Revolution is granting dignity to Muslims. This dignity has been materialized through different ways like assertion of Islamic identity among Muslims and promotion of Islamic Resistance and Islamic vigilance worldwide against the occupiers and usurpers. An evident example in this regard is the resistance of the Palestinian people against the Zionist usurpers of their homeland. The Leader of the Islamic Revolution who is the permanent defender of the ideals of the Palestinian people says: today in many countries, Islam has again become the ideal of the revolutionary youths. It is clear that only Islam has made the Palestinian people formidable in the face of the Zionists and their American and European backers, while before that all campaigns for the cause f Palestine met with failure because these were not based on Islam. Thus, it is the Islamic Revolution that triumphed in Iran 31 years ago which has shown the light to freedom-seekers and the seekers of independence throughout the world. Because of these facts, the evil powers have ganged up against the Islamic Republic system in Iran, but, as Ayatollah Khamenei pointed out, they will not succeed as long as the Iranian people remain unified and vigilant with faith in God Almighty.