The Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, visited the command headquarters of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Forces on Wednesday, March 9 and observed the capabilities and achievements of this military force.
At the beginning of the ceremony, the anthem of the Islamic Republic was played, and then the Leader paid homage to the martyrs of the Islamic Revolution and the Sacred Defense in front of the Unknown Martyrs Memorial. Afterwards, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces inspected the military units present on the parade ground.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ayatollah Khamenei considered faith, motivation and high morale as well as training, organization, facilities and equipment to be the basic factors contributing to the power and efficiency of the armed forces. He emphasized that today, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps is characterized by such factors, and that the main identity of the IRGC, which is faith and devotion combined with knowledge, should be preserved and further reinforced.
Elsewhere in his statements, the Leader of the Islamic Republic referred to the fact that there have always been domineering and expansionist powers in the course of the history of mankind. "Today, these powers are also ignoring the history, identity and interests of nations and are trying to secure and promote their own illegitimate interests. Under the circumstances, Muslims should be powerful and strengthen their defense capabilities in conformity with the Islamic teachings and precepts," he noted.
Placing emphasis on the fact that the lack of defense preparedness and inability to endure hardships are the major factors causing the weakness and decline of nations, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces pointed out that the Iranian nation, enjoying faithful youngsters, brave and devoted military commanders and high combat and defense preparedness, is strongly facing up to the bullying of the arrogant powers.
At the ceremony, the IRGC Commander Major General Rahim Safavi presented a report on the defense preparedness of the IRGC forces and their readiness to face any threat. He said that the IRGC, with its high military capabilities and maneuvering power, is prepared to defend the Islamic Revolution and the great Iranian nation using an unbalanced-war strategy and new tactics.
During the ceremony, the various military units of the IRGC Ground Forces that were present on the ground went on parade.
The Leader further visited an exhibition where the outcome of scientific research and investigations conducted by the IRGC Ground Forces and other achievements and capabilities of this military force had been put on display.
In an address to a group of the commanding officers of the IRGC Ground Forces, Ayatollah Khamenei expressed pleasure over the achievements and capabilities of this military force. He stated that adherence to spiritual and moral values has been the secret of the victory of the Iranian nation in its different confrontations over the past 25 years. "It is true that material equipment and capabilities play an important role, but the decisive role is played by the deep faith and strong determination of a military force," he added.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces further stated that the IRGC commanders are expected to convey the spirit of motivation, faith and devotion that they displayed in the course of the Sacred Defense to the young servicemen under their command.
Ayatollah Khamenei also called for the increased reinforcement of the Basij Mobilization Force.
Before the Leader's statements, the Commander of the IRGC Ground Forces, Brigadier General Ja'fari, presented a report on the new organization, equipment renovation and combat preparedness of the various units of this military force.