Leader Meets with Army Commanders and Personnel

Ayatollah Khamenei the Leader of the Islamic Revolution met Wednesday afternoon with a number of commanders and personnel of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, their families and members of Basij. Speaking at the meeting, which was held on the occasion of the 29th of Farvardin -Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army - His Eminence described the Islamic Republic of Iran Army as a source of honor and a popular, scientific and faith-based army which has given rise to many successfully-tested innovations.

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution referred to the irrationality of the camp of global arrogance, headed by America, saying: "Today, western civilization is on the verge of collapse and destruction because of its contradictions, irrationality, oppression and indifference to human values."

The Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces stated that one of the unique characteristics of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army is that it is a popular army, adding: "In the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Army is respected by the people because of its self-sacrifice and efforts, not because of its power."

Referring to the scientific orientation of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, His Eminence said: "The achievements and the range of scientific activities of the Iranian Armed Forces, including the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, are amazing and incomparable to the achievements and activities before the victory of the Islamic Revolution or even during the early years after the Revolution."

Ayatollah Khamenei added: "All these achievements have been made during the time when the ill-wishers of the Iranian nation refused to give us the most basic equipment. But the talents of the youth and children of this nation brought about astonishing achievements."

He pointed to the religious nature of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army and stated: "Because the Islamic Republic of Iran Army works on the basis of a sense of responsibility and because it has deepened its religious and revolutionary spirit, it has turned into an army which is committed to values and beliefs."

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution stressed: "Such an army will definitely emerge victorious out of all tests."

The Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces said that being experienced - because of a glorious presence in the eight-year Sacred Defense Era - is another privilege of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, further adding: "The Islamic Republic of Iran Army played an outstanding role in different operations during the Sacred Defense Era and it did great things."

Addressing the personnel of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, Ayatollah Khamenei said, "You should be proud of being members of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army and you should preserve your determination and strengthen your outstanding qualities."

His Eminence referred to the different attitudes of the Iranian Armed Forces and other armies in the world saying: "The Islamic Republic of Iran Army, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and the Basij, have presented a different culture and orientation to the world. Such a culture and orientation is a new model and it stands against the colonialist and imperialist orientation of many armies in the world."

His Eminence pointed to the domineering spirit of the armies that belong to the camp of arrogance, particularly the American army, reiterating: "Wherever these armies show up, they give rise to moral corruption and killings and they put pressure on the people."

He said that the American claim to combat weapons of mass destruction is false, further adding: "Contrary to this claim, American drones massacre the innocent children, women and people of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Also, the terrorists who are overtly and covertly supported by America kill the people in Iraq and Syria."

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution referred to the contradictions in the statements of American politicians, adding: "America and other countries that claim to defend human rights are silent about the massacre of innocent people in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. But after a few explosions in America, they create uproar throughout the world."

Ayatollah Khamenei stressed: "As a follower Islam, the Islamic Republic of Iran is opposed to any kind of bombing and massacre of innocent people - no matter whether it is in Boston or Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria - and it condemns such moves."

His Eminence added: "On the issue of the massacre of innocent people, there are contradictions in the behavior of America and other countries which claim to defend human rights. Based on this, we believe that America and the camp that is opposed to the Islamic Republic of Iran, are irrational."

He said: "What kind of logic is this? If children and women are murdered in Afghanistan and Pakistan by the Americans and if terrorists who are supported by America in Iraq and Syria create so many disasters, it is alright. But if an explosion takes place in America or a western country, the entire world should pay the price for it."

"This way of thinking and this spirit of America and the west - which consider themselves as more important than others - will result in its gradual decline and fall."

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution referred to the rational ideas of the Islamic Republic of Iran, reiterating: "These rational ideas are the foundations of a deep-rooted and everlasting civilization."

Elsewhere in his statements, Ayatollah Khamenei expressed his gratitude to the wives, families and children of the personnel of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army for their sacrifices, cooperation and support. He added: "The honorable families of the personnel of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army should always be proud of such men."