Addressing army members in a joint ceremony of the armed units of Fars province, Ayatollah Khamenei- the Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces- described the army as a peaceful and secure stronghold for the Iranian nation. He said: "Through innovation, this powerful stronghold must be made more and more secure on a daily basis."
The national anthem of the Islamic Republic of Iran was played upon his arrival in the Army headquarters in Fars province. His Eminence later paid tribute to the souls of the brave martyrs of the Iranian Armed Forces.
Afterwards, Ayatollah Khamenei reviewed a parade by the units of the Army, Islamic Revolution's Guards Corps, Basij and police force. He also talked to war-disabled veterans who were present for the occasion.
The Leader referred to the powerful resistance of the nation and the Armed Forces during the eight-year imposed war as a factor that contributed to the power of Iran in global arenas. He added: "Even when it had been attacked by Saddam and his supporters, the Islamic Republic never thought of attacking and conquering other countries. Therefore, strengthening the Armed Forces does not necessarily signify aggression to others. Rather, it is the aggressive policies of the global domineering powers that warn nations throughout the world to strengthen their internal structure and prepare themselves properly."
The Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces described the threats and tough remarks of the officials and the mouthpieces of global arrogance as psychological warfare. "Everybody knows that the enemies of the Iranian nation do not have the courage to attack this great ancient nation because they will then be trapped in an impossible situation. However, the Armed Forces must grow stronger and get better prepared on a daily basis."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution also referred to the invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan at the hands of the Americans and added: "The invaders entered Iraq under the banner of freedom. However, the Iraqi people have lived the most insecure period of their lives during the last 5 years which is due to the nature of the superpowers which is rooted in impiety, invasion and insecurity." He added: "The strong stance of the Islamic Republic against the US is rooted in its familiarity with the nature of the domineering powers."
His Eminence described George Bush's term as the most insecure period in recent history and added: "The US president is set to leave in a few months and he will leave the consequences of his actions to his successor, but his name has been recorded as a dark spot in history and his criminal file will always be open because of the insecurity he caused across the world and his acts of terrorism and invasion."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution described support for Islam, independence, opposing dominance, and the sense of trust towards the faithful youth across the country as the results of the great slogans and thoughts of Imam Khomeini (r.a.) and added: "The great Iranian nation and millions of brave, faithful and determined youth across the country offer great support to the Armed Forces." He said: "The armed forces, assured by these unending resources, should become more vigilant and powerful on a daily basis."
His Eminence also praised the courage and bravery which was prevailing among the members of the Army, the Islamic Revolution's Guards Corps, Basij, and police forces during the 8 years of the Sacred Defense Era and added: "The readiness of the youth in Fars province to continue this path is promising and reminiscent of the past."
In this meeting, the commander of the Iranian Army's ground forces, Brigadier-General Dadras said: "The Armed Forces have strengthened themselves on all sides by utilizing scientific and research principles, and are ready for practicing modern combat principles."
Leader Meets Armed Units in Shiraz
Addressing army members in a joint ceremony of the armed units of Fars province, Ayatollah Khamenei- the Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces- described the army as a peaceful and secure stronghold for the Iranian nation. He said: "Through innovation, this powerful stronghold must be made more and more secure on a daily basis."