Interviewer: A reporter of the British Financial Times newspaper
Question: [By encouraging the Iranian people to struggle against the Shah's regime, would you accept the serious consequences of this confrontation which would lead to major bloodshed? Are you planning to continue your struggles if these confrontations intensify? If a bloody turmoil occurs in Iran, would you unconditionally support it?]
Answer: The nation of Iran has begun its holy Islamic movement in order to be emancipated from the demon of dictatorship and expansionism, and to achieve an Islamic government, and by the help of God, the Exalted, it will continue doing so until gaining victory. Evidently, since the nation's sworn enemies, namely the Shah and his supporters, aren't willing to step aside easily, therefore, the stubbornness of the nation's enemies, and the resistance of the courageous Muslim people against them, will cause them damages. However, a Muslim knows that if he gets killed, he'll join the martyrs of Karbala, and won't lose anything, that's why he'll continue his struggle till achieving the ultimate victory.
Q: [You have recently announced your opposition to the military government. Are you going to ask people not only to rise against the Shah, but also to revolt against the army?]
A: We have not yet invited people to attack the army. We have only asked the army soldiers and officers not to obey their commanders, and I have also warned the high-ranking army officers not to obey and support the Shah. And I hope that the soldiers and officers, whose ties with people have not yet been cut off, will soon return to people to embrace the victory.
Q: [Are there any chances that you may reconcile with the Shah?]
A: No, never.
Q: [A reduction in Iran's oil production would be very costly to the economy of Western countries. Would you support the idea of oil flow stoppage?]
A: The deprived workers and employees of the National Oil Company have gone on a strike for their legitimate political demands, and have asked people to support them on their strike. And the western countries, who are not willing to suffer any losses, even at the cost of destroying the nation and the country of Iran, should know that the Muslim nation of Iran would do anything to achieve their legitimate rights, even at the price of destroying the interests of the West.
Q: [Would you support attempts upon the interests of the foreigners in Iran?]
A: If foreigners pay respect to the liberty and independence of the Iranian nation, their rights, within legal boundaries, will never be violated by the people.
Q: [What type of relations do you have with French officials?]
A: I have entered the country of France, and have seen no disrespect from the respectable people of this country, and I don't have no relations with any government officials either. My stay in France is on a temporary basis.
Q: [After your residence period has expired in France, will you apply for political asylum, considering the terms that would probably be imposed on you?]
A: I will not ask any government for political asylum.
Q: [If the present regime steps aside, will you destroy all that has been done concerning land reform?]
A: It is a basic right of every nation to choose its own destiny and their chosen form and kind of government. Evidently, since more than ninety percent of the people are Muslims, this government must be founded on Islamic laws and rules.