By: Kayhan Int’l Staff Writer
    
What is the secret of the success of the Islamic Republic of Iran over the past forty years, despite the intense adversity and hostility of its wolfish enemies, some of whom at times, appear in sheep’s clothing in a futile bid to deceive Iranian public as well as officials?
    Vigilance, of course, and the clarity of vision to see through the stratagems of those who have relentlessly tried, albeit unsuccessfully, for four long decades to either undermine or overthrow the dynamic system of government, by resorting to seemingly friendly gestures that barely hide the inherent animosity.
     If the US and the illegal Zionist regime are the archenemies of Islamic Iran, perhaps Europe with its deceptive attitude fits the description of an adversary that reluctantly adheres to normalcy concerning relations with Tehran, yet never missing the opportunity to backstab.
     This was the gist of the speech of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, yesterday when during his speech to a group of people from Tabriz, he warned Iranian officials of Europe’s dishonest gestures, saying: "Do not be deceived by the enemy’s smile; the Europeans are plotting against us. I am not going to tell you what to do; but do not bring about troubles for the country in the name of working for it.”
     Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei stressed that the Iranian officials should be vigilant in identifying the enemies and dealing with them.
     He stated: "The officials should appropriately identify friend and foe, and should not be deceived. The enemy might at times threaten, or strike or appear friendly; these are all the same: their smile is also due to their animosity. Their filthy and hostile hearts are filled with animosity against Islam and the Islamic Revolution. Whereas the US’ animosity is apparent; the Europeans are also practicing deception today.”
     The farsighted leader was referring to the European Union’s beating around the bush, in spite of recently finalizing an economic mechanism called INSTEX (Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges) for allowing companies to do business with Iran, in order circumvent the illegal American sanctions.
     The Europeans, however, have wasted opportunities and taken too long to decide. Despite their talks of maintaining trade relations with Iran and their condemnation of the policies of US president, Donald Trump, they remain under intense pressure from Washington to sabotage ties with Tehran.
     Although Iran appreciates EU efforts, it hasn’t seen concrete results yet. And this has prompted senior officials especially Ayatollah Khamenei to caution against any deception.
     The Islamic Republic of Iran, however, is fully confident of overcoming all obstacles whether, and as the Leader has said by quoting the Qur’anic ayah, the proverbial Hand of God Almighty is above all hands.
     This means that neither the US can do a damn thing against Iran, nor Europe can deceive Iran, yet Iranians, especially officials, need to be vigilant while dealing with the EU.