August 4, 2026 – Arbaeen Day
Today, as millions of pilgrims walk the roads of Iraq toward Karbala, they do so under the shadow of a war that has consumed the region. Yet, this is precisely the moment when the true meaning of Arbaeen shines brightest. This gathering—the largest in the world—stands as a powerful testament to the strength of the Axis of Resistance, a force that has proven its military deterrence and unity against US-Zionist aggression.
We are lucky to be witnesses to an era where the followers of Imam Hussain (AS) are not only fighting back and resisting, but are now doing so from a position of strength and power, emerging as a global power against the Epstein-class tyrants.
As the Martyred Imam Khamanei has said:
“This movement is a movement of love and faith; not a mad love, but love accompanied by insight… This is a divine phenomenon.” (Source: Speech on 2016/11/12, khamenei.ir)
The Divine Magnetism of Arbaeen
What makes the Arbaeen pilgrimage so extraordinary? It is the largest annual gathering in the world, with millions walking up to 80 kilometers to reach Karbala. As the Martyred Imam Khamanei explained:
“No propaganda is done for it, no effort is made to organize it. Yet from Iran alone, two million people rise and walk for 80 kilometers—not for pleasure, not to lie in hotels. This is a divine phenomenon.” (Source: Speech on 2016/11/12, khamenei.ir)
The love that drives this pilgrimage is not blind emotion. It is love accompanied by insight—the same principle that guides the spiritual seeker on the path of self-purification and the same principle that strengthens the Resistance against its enemies.
The Axis of Resistance: Proven Strength and Deterrence
As millions walk to Karbala, the Axis of Resistance has demonstrated its military capabilities and strategic depth. According to Iranian sources, the armed forces “have shown both the ability and the will” to respond to any aggression (Source: Tasnim News, 01 August 2026). Iran has prepared a “comprehensive plan” that includes targeting the vital infrastructure of the Zionist regime and US energy infrastructure in the region (Source: Tasnim News, 01 August 2026).
Western sources now admit what the Resistance has long known: the United States is strategically depleted. According to the Washington Post, the top US general in Europe warned the Pentagon that he “lacks sufficient naval forces to continue protecting Israel from incoming ballistic missiles” (Source: Washington Post, 01 August 2026). CNN reports that only 28% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of the war, and Foreign Policy concedes that “U.S. negotiating leverage has diminished as the war has progressed” (Source: Foreign Policy, 29 July 2026).
None of the Enemy’s Goals Have Been Achieved
Where the Americans and Zionists called for:
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Unconditional surrender – Iran has not surrendered; it has only grown stronger.
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Regime change – The Islamic Republic remains firmly in place, more united than ever.
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Elimination of Iran’s nuclear enrichment – Iran’s nuclear program continues unabated.
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Limitation of Iran’s missile range and number – Iran’s missile capabilities have only increased.
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Opening of the Strait of Hormuz – A new goal invented by the enemy, as the strait was always open and free before the war. Now, Iran controls it.
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Break up of the country – Iran remains unified, with a rally-around-the-flag effect among the people.
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Break up of the Axis of Resistance – The Axis is stronger than ever, from Yemen to Lebanon to Palestine.
None of these goals have been achieved. Rather, the opposite has occurred.
The Parallel Paths: Spiritual Wayfaring and the Arbaeen Walk
The teachings on the “Mosaic Forty Days” (Arba’iniyyat) reveal a profound connection to the Arbaeen pilgrimage:
1. The Forty-Day Transformation
In spiritual wayfaring, a forty-day period (Arba’iniyyat) is used to transform a transient spiritual state into a permanent station and ingrained character. As the text explains:
“Passing each station is conditional on completing a forty-day period, so that the perfections the seeker has acquired at that level become a permanent station and ingrained character.”
Similarly, Arbaeen marks the 40th day after Ashura—a day when the spiritual state of mourning and allegiance to Imam Husayn’s cause becomes a permanent station in the hearts of believers.
2. The Principle of Vigilance (Murāqaba)
The spiritual path demands constant self-accounting and awareness of God’s presence:
“Vigilance means first purifying the vessel of the heart from the impurity of sin, then adorning it with divine remembrance.”
Today’s pilgrims embody this vigilance—walking in the heat, enduring hardship, and keeping their hearts connected to the cause of Imam Husayn.
3. The Struggle Against the Self
The Greater Jihad is the struggle against the lower self:
“When the self demands something other than the beloved’s desire, it is obligatory for a person to be prepared for combat and war with it.”
The physical struggle of the Arbaeen walk mirrors this inner struggle, as pilgrims choose hardship over comfort, sacrifice over ease.
The War Context: US Strategic Weakness and Resistance Strength
As pilgrims walk toward Karbala, the region remains engulfed in conflict. Recent developments reveal a critical reality: the United States is strategically depleted and the Zionist project is facing unprecedented vulnerability.
US Strategic Weakness
The United States finds itself in a position it cannot sustain:
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Military depletion: According to Pentagon assessments, US forces have consumed about 45% of their Precision Strike Missiles, at least half of their THAAD interceptors, and around 50% of their Patriot interceptors. A top US commander has warned that American naval assets are stretched too thin to simultaneously defend Israel and protect US interests (Source: Washington Post, 01 August 2026).
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Political paralysis: President Trump has repeatedly threatened attacks on Iran only to back down. On August 2, 2026, he claimed to have canceled planned strikes after a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who stressed “the need to prioritize dialogue to reduce escalation” amid fears that Iranian retaliation would destroy Gulf infrastructure.
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Public opinion turned: A CNN poll shows 67% of Americans believe Trump’s actions against Iran have harmed the US. Trump’s support has dropped to 34%—a new low—with the Iran war and economic issues as the primary causes (Source: CNN, 31 July 2026).
The Zionist Project in Crisis
Prof. Marandi, in a recent interview, highlighted the deep crisis facing the Zionist project:
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Iran’s retaliation threat forced Trump to retreat—Iran’s planned response—destroying oil, gas, power, and desalination plants across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait—left the White House with no choice but to back down. As Marandi stated: “If the United States had attacked and then Iran had attacked… there’ll be no facilities left working to produce anything” (Source: Dialogue Works, 02 August 2026).
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No deal exists—Trump’s claim of a deal is fiction. As Marandi noted: “There’s no agreement with Iran. There are no negotiations with Iran. Nothing has changed” (Source: Dialogue Works, 02 August 2026). Iran will now demand even more, including explicit guarantees on Gaza and Yemen.
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The US is strategically trapped—As Prof. Izadi explained: “The United States is strategically depleted and cannot sustain this war.” The only language the US understands is military deterrence—and Iran has made it clear it is prepared to fight on the beaches.
Saudi Arabia: Trapped in Its Own Contradictions
Marandi exposed Saudi Arabia’s contradictory position: bombing Yemen’s airport and port, bombing Iraqi military bases, and then “calling the Americans and saying, ‘We’re in trouble. Don’t strike'” (Source: Dialogue Works, 02 August 2026). He described MBS as “not exactly an ideal leader,” citing his record of beating Lebanon’s prime minister, murdering Jamal Khashoggi, and waging a genocidal war on Yemen.
The Strength of the Axis of Resistance
The Axis of Resistance has proven its strength through:
1. Military Deterrence
Iran’s armed forces have demonstrated both capability and will during the 40-day war and recent weeks (Source: Tasnim News, 01 August 2026). The comprehensive response plan targeting US energy infrastructure and Zionist vital sites signals that Iran has already war-gamed the next escalation phase. This is not reactive posturing but pre-planned counter-escalation.
2. Diplomatic Isolation of the US
Foreign Minister Araghchi has systematically warned countries against supporting US military operations, noting that such support “would carry both legal and political consequences under international law” (Source: Tehran Times, 01 August 2026). This legal offensive under UN Resolution 3314 is building a firewall against regional involvement while isolating US partners.
3. Unity and Resilience
The Iranian people are united behind their government. Despite economic hardship, there is a rally-around-the-flag effect. Iranians blame US aggression for their suffering, not their own leadership (Source: CSOFT Lab, 28 July 2026).
4. Defensive Posture
As Marandi emphasized: “There is no such thing as a preemptive Iranian attack. Iran did not start this war. The U.S. is carrying out war against Iran right now” (Source: Dialogue Works, 02 August 2026). Iran’s strikes are legitimate self-defense in an ongoing war.
The Meaning of Arbaeen Today
What does Arbaeen mean in this context of war?
1. A Declaration of Faith and Resilience
Millions walking to Karbala—despite war, despite danger—declares that the spirit of Ashura is alive. It says: the cause of Imam Husayn, the cause of justice, the cause of standing against tyranny, will not be extinguished by bombs or threats. The Axis of Resistance draws its strength from this same spirit.
2. A Refutation of Despair
In the “Second Phase” statement, the Martyred Imam Khamanei said:
“Fear and despair are the first and most fundamental jihad you must wage.” (Source: “Second Phase” statement, 2019/02/11, khamenei.ir)
Today’s pilgrims embody this hope. They walk despite the war. They walk despite the threats. They walk because they believe.
3. A Demonstration of Unity
The Arbaeen walk brings together Shia and Sunni, Iranians and Iraqis, people from across the world. It is the largest gathering on earth—a demonstration that the Islamic Ummah is alive and united. As the Martyred Imam Khamanei stated:
“When even bodies are placed together, it reflects in this way. If we are together, Islamic countries, Muslim nations—Sunni and Shia—with pure hearts, without suspicion, without ill intent, without insulting one another, see what will happen in the world; what honor will be created for Islam! Unity, unity.” (Source: Speech on 2014/10/10, khamenei.ir)
4. A Call to Preserve the Spirit
The Martyred Imam Khamanei taught that gratitude for this great blessing requires preserving the spirit of the pilgrimage:
“Gratitude for it is, among other things, preserving those spirits, those states—the brotherhood, the kindness, the attention to the guardianship (Wilayah), the readiness to endure hardship—and following this in all matters of life.” (Source: Speech on 2016/11/12, khamenei.ir)
The Path Forward: Resistance and Victory
The contrast could not be clearer. On one side, an exhausted US military machine operating at breaking point, with depleted munitions, fractured alliances, and a president with only 28% approval. On the other side, a unified Iranian nation, a comprehensive response plan, and a Resistance that has proven its strength.
As Foreign Policy concedes: “The reality is that U.S. negotiating leverage has diminished as the war has progressed. Every day the war drags on… only lengthens the road to a potential recovery for the regime” (Source: Foreign Policy, 29 July 2026).
The Axis of Resistance is not merely surviving—it is thriving. The Arbaeen pilgrims walking to Karbala today are the living proof that the spirit of Imam Husayn is stronger than any military might. The question is not whether Iran can respond—but whether the US can afford the consequences.
We are witnessing a historic moment: the followers of Imam Hussain (AS) are emerging as a global power, standing firm against the Epstein-class tyrants who have long oppressed the world. None of the enemy’s missions have been achieved. Their calls for unconditional surrender, regime change, nuclear elimination, missile limitations, and the breakup of Iran and the Axis of Resistance have all failed—and the opposite has occurred.
In the words of Imam Husayn himself: “Death with dignity is better than life with humiliation.”
Today, the people walk. And in their walking, they declare that the path of Husayn—the path of resistance, justice, and unity—will never be abandoned.
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