In a meeting with thousands of Navy officers and their families in the southern city of Bandar Abbas, Ayatollah Khamenei the Leader of the Islamic Revolution urged all Iranians, especially government officials and political groups, to preserve national unity. Speaking during the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the recent terrorist attacks in Norway and said that foreigners are distorting the truth in their propaganda and are leveling false allegations against Islam and the Iranian nation. "An instance of western propaganda can be seen in the recent crimes that have been committed in a country in northern Europe. Since the early hours, they have been trying to point the finger of blame at Muslims and this shows the evil and false nature of western propaganda."
His Eminence stressed that such propaganda and allegations will not affect the determination of the Iranian nation and other Muslim nations. "We believe the prosperity of the Iranian nation in this world and the next is possible only within an Islamic framework. So far the progressive movement of the Islamic Republic has revived Islam and the willpower of the regional nations."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution said that making constant efforts is an important requirement for the progressive movement of the Iranian nation.
Ayatollah Khamenei said that the presence of Iran's Navy in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman is indicative of the Navy's firm determination to preserve national dignity and power of the country.
His Eminence referred to the strategic role of the Navy and said that the presence of the Navy in international waters shows the glory of the Iranian nation. "Because this presence shows that in spite of being completely alone, the Iranian nation has managed to achieve this level of capability and progress by relying on Allah the Exalted and its self-confidence."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution stressed: "This strategic presence in international waters, which is the result of selfless efforts by our Navy commanders and personnel as well as their families, is also a service to humanity."
Ayatollah Khamenei added: "By insisting on its path and principles, the Iranian nation proved that determination and independence of nations will not reach a dead end. And if a nation is determined, it can achieve dignity, power and wealth, just like the Iranian nation."
His Eminence said that the enemies are using different techniques to create despair among nations and to undermine their national determination. He added that promoting addiction with ulterior political motives and provoking domestic conflicts is among the techniques used by the enemies. He stressed: "Fomenting discord among different ethnic groups, religious sects, political groups and organizations is among the methods that are used to undermine national determination. But the Iranian nation has overcome all machinations of the enemies."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution urged all Iranian people to preserve national unity and said that everybody should consider avoiding discord as a national and religious duty.
His Eminence said that the Islamic Revolution has various dimensions and stressed: "In spite of all the pressures and machinations of the arrogant powers and their agents over the past 33 years, the Iranian nation has managed to move forward and leave the enemy behind by relying on its faith, unity and insight."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution stressed the need to preserve the spirit of resistance and to continue the path of the Revolution, further adding: "The only way to save the regional nations is to follow this path."