Ayatollah Khamenei the Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces attended a joint military ceremony in Kurdistan. Addressing the Armed Forces, he said that preserving peace and security of the Iranian nation is the purpose behind the existence of the Islamic Republic's Armed Forces.
At the beginning of the ceremony, which was held at Imam Ali (a.s.) Garrison in Sanandaj, the national anthem was played when the Leader entered the parade ground. Then, Ayatollah Khamenei paid homage to the memory of the honorable martyrs of the Sacred Defense Era.
Afterwards, the Leader reviewed the exemplary units of Revolutionary Guards, Basij, and police forces as they paraded before him. Ayatollah Khamenei also exchanged greetings with the war-disabled veterans who had attended the ceremony.
His Eminence described Kurdistan as the land of selfless sacrifices, jihad, and martyrdom. He referred to the enemies' constant plots during the early stages of the Islamic Revolution to create turmoil and fratricide in Kurdistan and stated: "Relying on the faith and nationalistic bravery of faithful men, the Islamic Republic emerged victorious out of a very difficult test at that time. The Armed Forces prevented those seditious activities and demonstrated the reason behind their existence - that is, preserving peace and security of the people."
His Eminence appreciated the role of the brave people of Kurdistan and their enthusiasm in opposing the enemies' plots and reiterated that such facts are indicative of the memorable heroic efforts of the Iranian nation in Kurdistan.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces said that the vigilance and strong presence of the Armed Forces has safeguarded Kurdistan against foreigners' harmful activities and stressed the need for staying vigilant against the enemies' machinations.
Ayatollah Khamenei further reiterated: "The Islamic Republic opposes oppression in the world. Therefore, according to the Holy Quran, it should stay prepared and constantly maintain its vigilance in the face of the enemies' plots."
Ayatollah Khamenei also referred to foreigners' attempts to cause insecurity in the country and said that foreign intelligence services and those who have occupied Iraq are secretly running blind terrorist operations in the region. He further stressed that the nation, the Armed Forces, and government officials should stay vigilant in face of such operations.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces said maintaining independence and relying on God and the determination of the nation is an essential prerequisite for defending the existence and grandeur of any nation.
He further added that the great Iranian nation and the Islamic Republic will never encroach upon the rights of other nations, but will not hesitate to respond to any threats.
He further reiterated: "By Allah's favor and thanks to the increasing preparedness of the nation, government officials, and the Armed Forces, the enemies' threats and plots will not achieve their goals."