Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei felicitated the approach of New Year and spring.

The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei, in his speech on the occasion of Nouruz day from the holy city of Mashhad, sent a message of felicitation for the approach of New Year (1390 in Persian calendar) and the spring season.

Referring to great achievements of the Iranian nation and officials, as well as Iran’s expedited pace towards progress over last year dubbed “The Year of Double Efforts and Double works” by the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei named this new year as the year of Economic Jihad (or Economic Endeavor).

"Ones accomplishing such great feats have high morale and self-confidence and such groups are the real assets that a country possesses," his eminence said.

The Supreme Leader emphasized Iran should prepare the grounds for realization of progress and materialization of justice with their Jihad-style movements and great efforts.

Ayatollah Khamenei commemorated the late founder of the Islamic Republic Imam Khomeini and martyrs while felicitating all Iranian and other nations who celebrate Norouz every year.

“I felicitate this auspicious celebration especially to martyrs’ families and war disabled veterans, as well as the families of those employees who are commissioned to sensitive and important tasks these days,” the Supreme Leader added.

Referring to tragic incidents of Bahrain, Yemen and Libya, Ayatollah Khamenei said that the bitterness of those tragic incidents “does not let us enjoy the New Year and we hope that God will help the nations of those countries.”

Referring to the naming of last Iranian year as year of double efforts and double work, the Supreme Leader noted that "the people of Iran and Iranian officials made great achievements and the motto of that year was materialized throughout the entire year."

Ayatollah Khamenei said that it can be said that "one of the mottos of past years that received the attention of people and officials and it corresponded with the country’s status quo was the motto of “Double Efforts and Double Work”".

The Supreme Leader pointed out to Iran’s progress in scientific production according to accredited international organizations which was more than 11 percent while noting that such progress should be pursued more seriously.

Referring to the recent Islamic awakening in Muslim World, Ayatollah Khamenei said that the recent movements in Muslim World were the harbinger of progress and justice in the region.