Parallel Universe of Ayatollah Khamenei’s New Year Address

Since 1999, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has introduced an aspirational slogan for the new Iranian calendar year, such as “the year of national strength and job creation” or “the year of accountability.” Each year, Iran’s government bureaucracy dedicates considerable resources to propagating the slogans, while cynical members ridicule the parallel universe of the new year addresses and slogans. This year is no exception: As the Iranian public continues to look in vain for reduced inflation and doesn’t buy Khamenei’s claim of high voter turnout in the March 1 elections, it is likely skeptical of his promised “leap in production” in the new year.

• March 20: The Office for the Preservation and Publication of the Works of His Holiness Grand Ayatollah Khamenei released the transcript of Khamenei’s Iranian new year address:
  • Looking back at the last year, Khamenei said: “Considerable scientific and technological advances and fundamental infrastructural development took place all over the country, which is the good and sweet news. On the other hand, the economic problems of the people were among the bitter news of the year. The epic presence of the people during the Quds Day celebrations,” referencing annual worldwide rallies against Israel sponsored by Iran, “and Revolution Day rallies … and the popular presence in the elections, too, were among the good news of the past year.”
  • “The slogan of the calendar year 1402,” the Iranian calendar year from March 2022-March 2023, “was ‘restrained inflation and increased production.’ Good work was done with regard to both elements of the slogan. There was progress, but not as much as desired … The slogan of the new year is ‘Leap in Production Through Popular Participation,’ which we hope will be realized in the best way imaginable.”

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