Leader Meets Air Force Staff

 Ayatollah Khamenei the Leader of the Islamic Revolution met today with the commanders and staff of the Air Force of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army. The meeting was held on the occasion of the anniversary of the 19th of Bahman, 1357 when the Homafaran of the Air Force of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army met with the founder of the Islamic Revolution Imam Khomeini (r.a.).

Speaking during the meeting, His Eminence described the resistance and steadfastness of the Iranian nation in following Islamic principles and values as the main reasons behind the permanence of the Islamic Republic and its becoming a role model for other nations.

Ayatollah Khamenei reiterated that the great movement of nations in some countries and the Islamic awakening in the region have definitely taken place under the influence of the great Islamic movement of the Iranian nation 32 years ago. "Now the time has come for a gradual end to the era of the dominance of the superpowers," he noted.

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution referred to the meeting of the Homafaran with Imam Khomeini (r.a.) in the year 1357 and said that this unforgettable and brave move prepared the ground for two important events.

His Eminence added: "Establishing a new identity for the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army was one of the results of this move by the Homafaran of the Air Force of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army on the 19th of Bahman in the year 1357."

Ayatollah Khamenei said that starting a new movement was the second result of this historic move and reiterated: "Undoubtedly, the event which took place on the 19th of Bahman in the year 1357 and in front of Imam Khomeini (r.a.) created a new spirit and movement among the Iranian people and had a great influence on the occurrence of the great event which took place on the 22nd of Bahman in the year 1357."

Ayatollah Khamenei said that resistance and the steadfastness of the Iranian nation in following the principles and values is the most important characteristic of the Revolution after the passage of thirty two years, further reiterating: "Islam is the most important value among the values. We should always protect and insist on this value. This is because independence, freedom, material progress, national unity and the blossoming of talents are all dependent on Islam."

Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the constant insistence of Imam Khomeini (r.a.) on the Islamic Republic and added: "Republic means relying on the people, and the rule of Islam would be impossible in the absence of public faith. Therefore, the Islamic Republic is the most important basis and foundation of the Revolution and should be safeguarded."

Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the great movement of nations in some countries and reiterated, "These movements do not take place in an accidental manner. Rather, they are the result of the accumulation of demands and understandings in the course of time which are currently being manifested. And the resistance of the Iranian nation has definitely had a key role in the occurrence of these movements."

His Eminence further reiterated: "Today is a day when the nations of the Middle East and the Muslim world have been awakened. And the time has come for an end to the dominance of the superpowers and a gradual decline in their power."

Ayatollah Khamenei said that it is necessary to pay attention to the critical role of the Iranian nation and to continue the path of progress and perfection. "We should avoid anything that prevents us from making progress. Undoubtedly, inattention to values is one of these obstacles. Therefore, we should always stress the values of Islam and the Revolution."

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution added, "We should protect the influential position of the Iranian nation through insight and avoiding conflicts."

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution praised the achievements and innovations of the Air force of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army and reiterated that this movement should be completed without any pauses. "We should not be satisfied however much progress we make," he noted.

Ayatollah Khamenei said that relying on faith, determination and the youth of the country are the prerequisites of continuing this auspicious movement and added: 'Relying on God and the energy, thought, creativity and self-confidence of the youth will lead to miracles in all sectors."

At the end of his remarks, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution reiterated that limitations should not prevent progress and added: "In every situation, we should overcome the limitations and shortcomings in accordance with our capacities and capabilities."