In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
His Excellency Ayatullah Shirazi, may his blessings last long,
I acknowledge the receipt of your kind telegram congratulating the successive victories of the honorable forces of Islam over Saddam's disbelieving forces and his Zionist brothers- may God disgrace them- with appreciation. Reciprocally, I congratulate the Savior (may our souls be sacrificed for him) to whom we are truly indebted for these victories. With the approval of this sacred being which is the same as divine approval, the liberation of Khouninshahr, now called Khorramshahr was achieved. Congratulations to you, the entire prominent maraji` (religious reference authorities) and distinguished `ulama'- may God ad to their grace- and the proud people of Iran and the armed forces which are the army of Allah and brought permanent honor and pride for Islam and Iran, the bastion for the Household of the Holy Prophet and the cradle for raising the children of Islam. I hope you and the prominent `ulama' and honored residents of the holy city of Mashhad that have the honor of being in the vicinity of the Holy Shrine of Imam Rida, the place where the blessings of divinity are sent down, and those who find the honor of visitingthe honorable Imam's mausoleum will pray for the victory of right over wrong and Islam over blasphemy. I extend my greetings and implore God to grant you success in serving Islam and Muslims. May God's peace, mercy and blessings be upon you!
Rouhullah al-Mousawi al-Khomeini
Sha`ban 2,1402 AH