Leader urges Armed Forces to maintain ‘maximum preparedness’
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei called on the country’s Armed Forces to maintain their “maximum preparedness” to fulfill their national responsibilities.
Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks during a Sunday meeting with commanders and officials of Iran’s Armed Forces on the occasion of the Persian New Year.
He described the Iranian Armed Forces as the nation’s “shield and a refuge” for the people in the face of any aggressor.
The Leader criticized the contradictory stance of bullying powers, who have armed themselves with the most advanced and lethal weapons, yet consider the defensive advancements of others as unacceptable.
Ayatollah Khamenei also said ill-wishers are furious with Iran’s increasing advances, urging the country’s officials to counter their propaganda.
“They (ill-wishers) present their desires as news and reality,” the Leader said, emphasizing the importance of formulating strategies to combat such propaganda.
He highlighted that the Islamic and independent nature of Iran’s government is the main reason behind the enemies’ hostility towards the nation.
“What irritates the enemy is not the name ‘Islamic Republic,’ but the determination of a country to be Muslim and independent, with a distinct identity of its own,” the Leader said.
Ayatollah Khamenei further said that what angers the enemy is the notion that the Islamic Republic refuses to rely on others for its dignity.
The Leader also acknowledged certain shortcomings in the country, including in the economic sector, and called for intensified efforts to address these issues.
At the start of the meeting, Major General Mohammad Baqeri, the chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, discussed developments in Iran and the West Asia region.
He praised the global awakening regarding the Palestinian issue and the historic resistance of the people of Gaza and Lebanon against the Israeli regime’s crimes.
Baqeri affirmed that the Iranian Armed Forces, supported by the nation, are fully prepared and will not allow the enemies to achieve “their ominous goals.”