Iranian women

Mrs. Seyyedi, Deputy for Women’s Affairs at the Khatam al‑Osiya Foundation:
“Decades after the Sacred Defense, today’s battlefield is no longer limited to the military front. The media and cognitive wars have become among the most significant arenas of confrontation. In this new context, Iranian women—just as in the past—play a pivotal role in support, narration, and strengthening the spirit of resistance within society.”

In line with examining current sociopolitical developments and expert perspectives on the challenges ahead, Jahanbanou News and Analysis Center conducted an in‑depth interview with one of the country’s prominent cultural and social activists. The conversation covers topics such as the roots and dimensions of the current conflict, comparisons between past and present conditions, the evolving role of women, and visions for the future.
Below is the full text of this thoughtful dialogue.

Q1. Regarding the recent situation and the causes of this war—why do you call it “a war between the entire truth and the entire falsehood”?

Mrs. Seyyedi:
In our religious and Quranic teachings, initiating war is never permitted. From the earliest days of Islam, all wars were defensive. In the early Islamic battles—Badr, Uhud, and Khaybar—the Quraysh constantly coveted Medina and sought to destroy Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Therefore, the Prophet prepared his followers both spiritually and militarily, ensuring that even a small community would not falter in defending their faith.

This same logic has guided the Islamic Republic. When Saddam Hussein’s Iraq invaded Iran in 1980—less than two years after the Revolution—Imam Khomeini, the great leader of the Revolution, armed the people with faith and taught them the logic of resistance. Inspired by the Qur’an, he emphasized standing firm against aggression, and the Iranian nation did exactly that.

Likewise, in the recent conflict, we were not the ones who began it. In the middle of the night, missiles targeted both military and civilian areas—while the country was still engaged in diplomatic negotiations. The girls’ school “Shajareh Tayyebeh” in Minab was struck first, killing around two hundred students, teachers, and mothers. Moments later, the Leader’s residence was targeted, and our great commander and guide was martyred.

So, we have never initiated war, nor will we ever do so—but if the enemy dares to attack, we will resist with all our might. During the Sacred Defense our slogan was “War, war until victory,” which Imam Khomeini later elevated to “War until the elimination of oppression in the world.” Based on this principle, we are not aggressors, but when global arrogance seeks to overreach, we confront it to the fullest extent possible.

Today, more than ever, the confrontation between truth and falsehood is evident. In the past, some may have doubted it—but when a girls’ school is attacked and innocent children are killed, the reality of this conflict becomes unmistakable. On one side stands a leader who spent years meeting with ordinary people, teenagers, the children of martyrs, and young girls who had just reached religious maturity—praying with them, guiding them, acting as a compassionate father. These two images—innocent victims and a merciful leader versus those who target them—speak for themselves.

Q2. For those of us who did not experience the Sacred Defense or the passing of Imam Khomeini, the news of the recent martyrdom of Imam Khamenei was deeply painful. How do you compare that time with today’s circumstances?

Mrs. Seyyedi:
The passing of Imam Khomeini in 1989 cannot be compared to the martyrdom of the Supreme Leader in our current conditions. At that time, the announcement of Imam Khomeini’s departure was a heavy blow; people felt as if the Revolution’s main pillar had fallen. There were fears about the future and concerns over enemy ambitions.

Yet Divine grace embraced the Iranian nation. The Assembly of Experts convened swiftly and, even before Imam Khomeini’s funeral, announced the selection of Ayatollah Khamenei as the new Leader—restoring calm and confidence across the country.

During his 37 years of wise leadership, the nation passed through difficult tests—sanctions, wars, threats—and yet, under his guidance, the ship of the Revolution navigated turbulent waters and reached greater dignity and strength. The Qur’an says, “Indeed, You will die, and they [too] will die.” This reminds us that even prophets pass away, but their teachings endure. The peaceful transition after Imam Khomeini’s passing taught our society that this path does not depend on one person.

Today’s circumstances, however, are different. The country was in the middle of war, and within its earliest days, the Leader was martyred. Even convening the Assembly of Experts was dangerous. Despite all this, with God’s help and the steadfastness of the people, we once again overcame the crisis, and a new Leader was elected—welcomed by the nation with calm and trust.

This experience reaffirmed that the true owner of this Revolution is Almighty God, and He ensures that its path continues.

Q3. How do you compare the Sacred Defense with the current war, particularly the role of women?

Mrs. Seyyedi:
During the eight years of the Sacred Defense, jihad was not obligatory for women, since the men’s massive participation on the frontlines made their presence there unnecessary. Yet, inspired by Islam and Imam Khomeini, women played an extraordinary role.

They supported the fighters in every possible way—cooking, sewing uniforms, nursing the wounded—and, most importantly, offering spiritual strength. With patience and faith, they sent their husbands and sons to the frontlines, strengthening the morale of the entire nation.

Today, the circumstances have changed. Beyond the military front, we face a media and cognitive war. In this battlefield, women’s roles can be even more powerful. As narrators of the front of truth, they can bring clarity and meaning to society. Through culture, art, media, and digital platforms, women can play an essential part in shaping public understanding.

Soft warfare is, in many respects, more challenging than hard warfare. It battles over minds and worldviews instead of territory. Success now depends on mastering modern tools—cultural, artistic, and technological—and in all these areas, women’s participation is vital.

Q4. How do you see the outlook for the future, and what do you recommend to strengthen hope in society?

Mrs. Seyyedi:
Now that a new Leader has been chosen, there is no reason for despair. The Iranian people have proven—both during Imam Khomeini’s era and Imam Khamenei’s leadership—that they stand by their Revolution with loyalty and steadfastness.

Even during those short days when the country seemed leaderless, the people resisted and defended their homeland. Today, God has granted us a new Leader suitable for this era—young, energetic, and equipped with the wisdom of experience. He can guide the nation through this new chapter.

We must support him not only out of emotion but out of understanding and reasoned faith. Loyalty to leadership should be grounded in knowledge and conviction.

From what is known so far, the new Leader is a learned, insightful, and wise figure who, having been nurtured in the school of the previous leadership, can continue this sacred path with strength.

I am optimistic about the future. I believe that the youth of this land will achieve even greater victories in the years ahead.

Q5. Finally, is there anything important that we haven’t asked about, which you would like to add?

Mrs. Seyyedi:
The most important thing, in my view, is gratitude—the recognition of the divine blessing that is the Islamic Revolution. This Revolution is the fruit of faith, steadfastness, and the loyalty of the Iranian people.

To continue the path of Imam Khomeini and Imam Khamenei, we must redouble our effort and renew our spirit of progress. Over the past four decades, faith and resistance have helped our nation overcome immense global pressures.

My advice is simple: carry hope, trust in God, and embrace the “deep breath” our martyred Leader always spoke of. We must stay young in spirit, cast aside fatigue, and, with faith and devotion, stand tall through the challenges ahead.

Interview by: Zahra Malakoutipour

From: jahanbanou

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