Country’s progress depends on high resolve, sincere service to people: Custodian

Speaking during a meeting with the governor and county governors of Khorasan Razavi Province, Ayat. Ahmad Marvi, the Custodian of Astan Qods Razavi, said: “Maintaining a spirit of service, perseverance and active presence in various arenas is of utmost importance”. 
He commemorated the memory of the martyrs and highlighted the significance of responsible service to the public.
While offering condolences on the martyrdom of the late Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and congratulating the nation on the worthy selection of Ayat. Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei as the next Leader, he praised the government’s efforts in supplying market goods during the war. “During the Ramadan war, the government truly created an epic in the field of public service. Although the issue of rising prices has always existed, despite a war of this magnitude being imposed on the country, people did not face shortages in meeting their needs. I describe this service by the government as an ‘epic.’”
“Despite the attacks by the United States and the Zionist regime, the martyrdom of the Leader and several commanders, and ongoing bombardments across the country, people did not experience shortages. This situation reflected divine grace manifested through the efforts of government officials”, Ayat. Marvi added.
Referring to the bitter experience of famine in Iran during World War II, he stated: “Despite Iran’s declaration of neutrality at that time, the country still experienced severe shortages and famine. In contrast, during the recent war not only did famine not occur, but shortages were not even observed in many non‑essential goods. This outcome was also a manifestation of divine grace realized through the dedication of hardworking and sincere officials”.
The top official then cited the Quranic verse “If you help Allah, He will help you and make your foothold firm,” explaining that God promises assistance to those who support His religion. “Steadfastness, resilience and the spirit of active presence in society are themselves manifestations of divine support granted to believers”.
“Officials should be grateful for the opportunity to serve such a devoted and resilient nation. Steadfastness, perseverance and active social engagement are blessings that preserve a true believer and revolutionary society on the path of progress and development”, he emphasized.
Referring to the statement of the martyred Leader that if an incident occurs for the country God will raise the people, head of AQR said: “The Iranian people were truly mobilized. The country witnessed a genuine public uprising and awakening; without the powerful and dignified presence of the people during those days the course of the war would undoubtedly have unfolded differently”.
Discussing international developments, the Custodian of Astan Qods Razavi criticized statements by the US president who had declared his intention to destroy Iranian civilization. “Such rhetoric ultimately resulted in serious divisions within the United States itself”.
He explained that it is rare in American political history for a president to face such a high level of criticism and humiliation from domestic political figures. “Although the United States has waged many wars and attacks against other countries, such internal disagreement and criticism directed at a president has been unusual”.
Ayat. Marvi also noted that European countries that had supported the United States in previous wars did not accompany Washington in this conflict and in some cases even opposed its policies. “Although Europe has no friendship with Iran and has repeatedly shown hostility, in this particular war it refrained from supporting the United States”.
Referring to statements by the Pope in support of Iran, he said: “Even the Pope, who usually adopts general positions in such matters, expressed support for Iran on this occasion. These developments represent a strategic asset for the Islamic Republic of Iran, which he described as one of the influential powers in the region and in global equations”.
He added that Persian Gulf littoral states, which have spent vast sums for years to secure protection from the United States, have now become doubtful. According to Ayat. Marvi, “They increasingly question how the United States can guarantee their security while facing challenges in ensuring its own security”.
He described these developments as signs of the weakening position of the United States in the international system, stressing: “The era when the United States could easily impose its will on other countries has ended and that the image of American invincibility has been broken”.
The Custodian of Astan Qods Razavi also referred to what he described as a repetition of the Tabas incident, saying: “Events around Isfahan once again demonstrated divine assistance. Without the powerful and effective presence of the Iranian people, the course of the war would have taken a different path”.
The top official then stressed the need for strong determination and sincere service to the people. “The most important responsibility of officials today is to perform their duties correctly and serve the public honestly, emphasizing that the progress of any country depends on such an approach”.
Ayat. Marvi said that dedication to work and high determination are essential elements for national development, noting: “Persian cultural literature also emphasizes strong determination through well‑known sayings that convey the idea that no task is impossible and that determination leads to success”.
He urged officials to adopt these principles as guiding values in their work and to pursue responsibilities with persistence and determination without fearing major tasks.
Citing a saying attributed to Imam Ali (the 1st Shia Imam) — “When you fear something, plunge into it, for the severity of avoiding it is greater than what you fear from it” — Ayat. Marvi explained: “Fear of entering major tasks can itself lead to greater weakness and hesitation. Therefore, courage and reliance on God are necessary for undertaking significant responsibilities”.
He stressed that with determination, effort and persistence, reaching the peaks of national progress is achievable. “Iran possesses vast resources, talents and human capacities, and with proper planning and determination it can achieve major advancement”.
He emphasized that officials should adopt a forward‑looking vision in which Iran strives to become a leading country and a major global power. “Such ambition is not blameworthy but necessary for national development”.
Concluding his remarks, Ayat. Marvi said: “Achieving these goals requires continuous effort, precise planning and serious follow‑up. Officials need to enter major projects without fear and expressed hope that God would grant success to all officials in serving the nation”.