Analysis of Ayatollah Khamenei's Speech Acts after Al-Aqsa Storm Operation Based on John Searle's Speech Act Theory

Introduction

The "Al-Aqsa Storm Operation" represents the most significant political event globally in 2023 and 2024, marking a new chapter in developments concerning Palestine and the broader West Asian region. Consequently, it has garnered intense attention from global public opinion, media outlets, and political and military analysts. A focal point for these analysts and media professionals has been Iran's stance and the comments made by Ayatollah Khamenei regarding this event. A particularly useful theoretical framework for analyzing Iran’s leader is John Searle's Speech Act Theory.

Methods

To address the question regarding Ayatollah Khamenei's speeches following the Al-Aqsa Storm Operation, the analysis utilized Searle's theory of speech acts. All speeches delivered by Ayatollah Khamenei within one year of the operation were collected and examined through both quantitative (descriptive statistics) and qualitative (explanatory) methods. The data collection was conducted using purposive sampling, and content validity was ensured through a single focus group.

Results

The findings reveal that Ayatollah Khamenei utilized all five types of speech acts. He features assertive acts (46.15%), expressive acts (24.47%), declarative acts (14.68%), directive acts (9.79%), and commissive acts (4.89%) in order of frequency.

Discussion

Statistical analysis of Ayatollah Khamenei's speech acts reveals that assertive acts dominate the leader's speeches, accounting for 46.15 percent. In these instances, the Iranian leader aims to clarify the regional situation to his audience and articulate his views and conclusions regarding ongoing events. Expressive speech acts follow in frequency, comprising 24.47 percent of his statements. These acts reflect the speaker's psychological states, such as expressing interest, hatred, regret, happiness, remorse, pleasure, blame, congratulations, and admiration toward a subject.

Declarative acts rank third among Khamenei's speech acts at 14.68 percent. This category includes statements that aim to create real changes in the external world. Such acts can be seen as a way of explaining the situation while urging the audience to adapt to new realities.

The directive act occupies the fourth position with 9.79 percent. In this context, the speaker encourages the audience to take specific actions or refrain from doing so through imperative, declarative, interrogative structures, as well as praise and blame. Khamenei has sought to motivate Islamic movements in the region to act against Israeli brutality and provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.

The least frequent speech act in Khamenei's discourse is the commissive act at 4.89 percent. This act involves the speaker committing to future actions through promises or oaths. This aspect of Khamenei's speech reflects Iran's commitment to continue supporting the oppressed people of Palestine.

Conclusions

The use of assertive speech acts indicates that Ayatollah Khamenei believes the developments in Gaza and Operation Storm Al-Aqsa have not been adequately communicated to the Iranian public and regional audiences; thus, it is essential to elucidate their various dimensions. He has consistently emphasized that today's conflict is a battle of narratives and media. Consequently, the lack of first-hand comprehensive narratives about events in Gaza has influenced Khamenei's decision to employ declarative speech acts.

In addition to accurately explaining developments, Khamenei has aimed to harness the emotions and sentiments of the Islamic world to mobilize support for Palestine. Encouraging Muslims to maintain their support for Palestine, condemning Israeli atrocities, fostering Islamic unity and solidarity, shaping public opinion globally and regionally, and pressuring international officials and institutions are all components of this strategy designed to facilitate Palestinian groups' victories and alleviate their suffering.