Speech [The need to combat the corrupt roots of the Shah's regime]

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

I thank the entire Iranian nation, particularly you, the enlisted men and soldiers of the Air Force. I implore the Exalted and Blessed God for your health and prosperity. We must understand and feel the reality that we have not yet achieved the ultimate victory. We have to tread a long path before we can achieve it. If a human being thinks he is victorious, he will meet with defeat and victory will bring lethargy. If he sees himself halfway through and moves toward the final destination, this movement will empower him. We are halfway through our path and, of course, we are victorious in the sense that we have severed the hands of the oppressive powers out of our country. Now, we are independent in our country but the confusion and disorder, which exist in the country, are caused by a group of corrupt elements, which have infiltrated the people's ranks sowing the seeds of corruption, these are the putrefied roots of the (ex-) regime and the foreign powers. The people who are working to save foreign interests are causing the nation hardship and tribulation.

We should resist steadfastly against these elements and throw them out of our country with all our might and strength.

My brethren! You must take note that Iran is of you and Iranians must make efforts for Iran: All classes of people must be friends of one another. It should not be like it was during the previous regime that people were aloof from each other, that there existed separation between the military forces and the people, or the people did not think well of them and the military thought badly of the people. It is high time that all forces became Godly and Islamic and may God rule over this nation and we advance with God's helping hand. Together we should all be united and all speak the same language and you should eliminate the confusion created by foreign powers and their lackeys around the country. Eliminate this confusion together and with the God's assistance, and gain control of the situation. The country belongs to you, and the nation consists of you; the army is of you, we are all brothers. We should all move forward together and deliver this country from anarchy. I implore the Exalted and Blessed God for the health and prosperity of all of you.