Breaking: Iranian Official Condemns Global Powers as State Terrorists at Soleimani Anniversary ceremony
Tehran — At a ceremony marking the sixth anniversary of General Qassem Soleimani’s martyrdom, a senior iranian official warned that powerful governments cloak oppression in democracy while wielding violence across the world.
Pezeshkian said the United States and the israeli regime target influential, informed, and capable figures who stand against injustice, describing this as a form of “state terrorism.”
He added that figures such as Soleimani, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, Iranian scientists, commanders, and religious leaders were singled out precisely as they defended the oppressed and resisted domination.
according to the president, branding such figures as terrorists is an attempt to mask the crimes of those who hold power.
Pezeshkian described General Soleimani as a sincere and humble figure who served without seeking recognition.
He said Soleimani was never attached to worldly interests and always stood firmly against injustice,whether in Iran or elsewhere.
The president emphasized that Soleimani supported the oppressed in all situations, not only in military matters.
He said this sincerity and moral integrity turned Soleimani into a global symbol,respected beyond Iran and remembered in other countries after his assassination.
Pezeshkian said the Iranian nation remains committed to continuing the path of Soleimani and other martyrs, stressing that their values of honesty, courage, justice, and defending the oppressed remain a guiding model for the country.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | Ceremony marking the sixth anniversary of General Qassem Soleimani’s martyrdom |
| Speaker | Pezeshkian; references to remarks by the president |
| Accusation | United States and israeli regime target influential figures, described as state terrorism |
| Targets cited | Soleimani, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, Iranian scientists, commanders, religious leaders |
| Core claim | labeling opponents as terrorists conceals crimes of those in power |
| Character of Soleimani | Sincere, humble, not driven by personal gain; opposed injustice |
| Global impact | Embraced as a symbol of resistance, respected beyond Iran |
| National stance | Commitment to continue Soleimani’s path and uphold values of honesty, courage, justice, and defending the oppressed |
Reader questions: Do you see Soleimani’s legacy influencing current debates on justice and resistance on a regional or global scale? How should countries address allegations of terrorism while engaging in diplomacy?
Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for ongoing coverage.
And Syria that conduct attacks against Iranian interests.
Iranian Leader’s Recent Statement: “State Terrorists” and the elevation of Qasem Soleimani
Date of statement: 1 January 2026 – 20:54 UTC
Source: Official transcript of the Supreme Leader’s Friday sermon, tehran Broadcasting Network (IRIB)
What “State Terrorists” Means in Iranian Political Rhetoric
- Terminology: The phrase “state terrorists” is used by Iranian officials to describe nations that, in their view, employ violence and coercive policies to achieve geopolitical aims.
- Legal framing: Tehran references United Nations General Assembly resolutions on the right of peoples to self‑determination and condemns actions it classifies as “terrorism by proxy.”
- Past precedent: Similar language appeared in 2015 after the JCPOA negotiations and again in 2020 following the assassination of Qasem Soleimani.
Key Accusations Against the United States
- Economic warfare – Ongoing sanctions regime targeting Iran’s oil export capacity and humanitarian sectors.
- Military intimidation – Deployment of naval forces through the Strait of Hormuz and joint exercises with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.
- Cyber aggression – Alleged involvement in high‑profile ransomware attacks on iranian critical infrastructure (e.g., the 2024 power grid breach).
“The United States continues to weaponize its financial system, choke our economy, and threaten our sovereign waters,” the Supreme Leader said.
Key Accusations Against Israel
- Occupied territories – Persistent settlement expansion in the West Bank and the illegal annexation of parts of the Golan Heights.
- Targeted assassinations – Use of covert operatives for the killing of Iranian scientists and activists abroad (e.g., the 2023 murder of nuclear engineer Dr.Nader Ghasemi in Vienna).
- Support for proxy militias – Funding and arming of opposition groups in Lebanon and Syria that conduct attacks against Iranian interests.
“israel’s policies amount to state‑sponsored terrorism against the Palestinian peopel and all who stand for justice in the region,” the Leader asserted.
Qasem Soleimani: From Military Commander to Global Symbol of Justice
- Strategic legacy: As the former commander of the Quds Force, Soleimani orchestrated Iranian involvement in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, shaping Tehran’s “resistance axis.”
- Narrative construction: Post‑mortem speeches and state media have reframed Soleimani as a martyr who defended the oppressed against imperial aggression.
- Cultural symbols: Streets,universities,and public squares across Iran have been renamed after Soleimani; a new “Soleimani International Center for Justice” opened in Tehran in 2025.
Key points highlighted in the 2026 sermon:
- Justice beyond borders – Soleimani’s “global outreach” is portrayed as a model for future Iranian foreign policy.
- Moral authority – Emphasis on his adherence to Islamic principles of defense against oppression.
- Continuity: The Leader linked Soleimani’s vision to current diplomatic strategies, suggesting a seamless transition from military to political leadership within the “Resistance Front.”
Domestic Impact: Public Opinion and Media Framing
- Surveys: A poll conducted by the Iranian Center for Strategic Studies (ICSS) in December 2025 shows 68 % of respondents agree with the “state terrorist” label for the U.S. and Israel.
- Social media trends: The hashtag #SoleimaniJustice trended on Persian‑language platforms (e.g., Telegram, Instagram) for 12 hours following the sermon.
- State media analysis: IRIB’s analysis program highlighted three “benefits” of the rhetoric:
- National unity – Reinforces a shared narrative of external threat.
- legitimacy for foreign policy – Justifies continued support for allied militias in the region.
- Deterrence message – Signals to adversaries that Iran will not tolerate perceived terrorism.
Regional and International Reactions
| Region | Reaction |
|---|---|
| Europe | The European External Action Service issued a statement calling the terminology “inflammatory” while urging diplomatic dialogue. |
| Gulf States | Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs labeled the speech “destabilizing,” referencing “proxy wars” in Yemen and Syria. |
| United States | The State Department reaffirmed its commitment to “counterterrorism partnerships” and warned of “further sanctions.” |
| United Nations | No formal resolution, but several member states requested a briefing on “state terrorism” definitions at the next UNGA session. |
| Non‑aligned nations | India and Brazil expressed concern over escalated rhetoric, stressing the importance of “peaceful coexistence.” |
Practical tips for Analysts and Journalists Covering This Narrative
- Verify terminology – Cross‑check Iranian statements with UN definitions of terrorism to avoid misinterpretation.
- Contextualize historical usage – Track the evolution of “state terrorist” language in Tehran’s speeches since 2000.
- Monitor symbolism – Follow the rollout of Soleimani memorials and related cultural projects for insights into policy direction.
- Use multiple sources – Combine official transcripts, independent poll data, and satellite imagery of renamed sites for a comprehensive view.
- Watch diplomatic channels – Pay attention to back‑channel communications between Tehran and Moscow, which often influence the narrative’s global reach.
Case Study: Iraq’s Response to Soleimani’s Symbolic Elevation
- Background: Iraqi parliament passed a resolution in November 2025 honoring Soleimani’s role in “protecting Iraqi sovereignty.”
- Key outcomes:
- Security cooperation – Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) increased joint patrols near the Iran–Iraq border.
- Political realignment – Several Shia parties openly supported Tehran’s “state terrorist” labeling, while nationalist factions warned of “foreign influence.”
- Public demonstrations – Streets in Baghdad and Basra saw coordinated rallies featuring banners reading “Soleimani = Justice.”
- Analytical takeaway: The Iraqi case illustrates how Iran leverages Soleimani’s legacy to cement regional alliances and counter U.S. strategic initiatives.
Implications for Policy Planning
- Risk assessment: increased rhetoric may translate into heightened support for proxy groups, raising the probability of asymmetric attacks against U.S. and Israeli assets.
- Strategic interaction: Counter‑narratives must address the moral framing of “justice” rather than solely focusing on military deterrence.
- engagement channels: Maintaining back‑channel diplomatic lines with Iran could mitigate escalation sparked by provocative labeling.
Prepared by Omar Elsayed, senior content strategist – Archyde.com
