Statements of His Excellency and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces at the Morning Ceremony of the Ground Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

This visit is very sweet and memorable, reviving many memories I have with the commanders and devoted elements of the ground forces during the years of sacred defense. A significant part of the honors of the Islamic Republic Army undoubtedly pertains to the ground forces, which constitute the main and most important body of the Islamic Republic Army, and I wish for today’s meeting to be perceived as a practical expression of my feelings towards the ground forces and the Islamic Republic Army.

Nothing is more valuable for an armed organization than being able to fulfill its duty correctly in times of need. Naturally, in a country, people view the armed forces as those who can defend them like a strong fortress in the face of a terrifying and bitter incident. During the sacred defense, this honorable test came for the army. Throughout the eight years of sacred defense, across the long fronts of the war, the ground forces were able to perform great tasks with a level of capability and determination that was astonishing for both friends and foes. The proud martyrs of the ground forces of the Islamic Republic Army and the disabled veterans of this force, along with the devoted and faithful elements who endured difficult and burdensome moments over these years, have been honest witnesses to the comprehensive and sincere efforts of the ground forces of the Islamic Republic Army throughout these years. I myself have also witnessed this sincere and faithful effort on several occasions.

On the day when the enemies of the Islamic Republic believed that there would be no threat or significant threat from the armed forces of our country, the armed forces stood like a strong dam against the enemy's aggression. Eight years of effort by the invading forces, supported by all military power centers and logistical and armament support, came to nothing, and with the strength of our armed forces and the support of our people, the borders of the country remained intact, and the invading enemies were forced to distance themselves from our borders, admitting their failure; this is a great honor.

In the last two centuries, this was the first time that our armed forces had been able to stand proudly against the enemy in a military test and thwart the enemy; this was in a long war against an aggressor that was almost supported by the entire world. The armed forces of our country, the Islamic Republic Army, as well as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Basij, form a capable and faithful collective that each, in their special position and with their specific responsibilities, have been able to and will be able to, God willing, keep threats away from this country in the future.

In an era where the desires of the arrogant powers of the world are to turn all aspects of human life into a battlefield and, under the guise of beautiful and attractive names of freedom, democracy, and human rights, to wage wars for power, oil, and the expansion of the spheres of influence of global arrogance and their illegitimate international interests, nations must be very vigilant and strive to strengthen themselves internally, and the armed forces can play a major role in this great responsibility.

Today, you observe that the oil-rich and wealthy region of the Middle East, due to its wealth and its oil resources—needed by the industrial powers of the world—has been subjected to aggression, invasion, and interference from various policies, and every day a threat arises in one part of it. They exploit the weakness of nations and the divisions among governments and powers in this region—which is Islamic and belongs to Muslims. The victims of this greed and arrogance are the oppressed nations that cannot defend their identity and spiritual power. You see how the nations of Iraq and Afghanistan have been treated in recent years! Who were the victims of complex international policies, if not the unarmed and defenseless people? Of course, nations will not be destroyed by these pressures, and if they can maintain their national identity, these pressures cannot bring them to their knees. Although they endure damages in the short term, in the long term, with high aspirations and by gathering their forces, they will be able to compensate. If they want and are determined; it is in the hands of the nations themselves.

In such a very sensitive situation, our nation needs more than ever to make itself spiritually and materially invulnerable and powerful. Part of this power relates to economic, cultural, and political issues, and a significant part of it is also related to military organizations that must increase their capabilities from all aspects day by day; strengthening organization, enhancing combat power, the necessary ability to produce, procure, complete, and maintain equipment, keeping the military responsibility spirit high, and everything else that is possible with the initiative and management of good and responsible leaders. Today, fortunately, the ground forces of the Islamic Republic Army are blessed with good and faithful commanders and administrators, as well as thousands of honorable and faithful elements across the country in various units. We thank God for this situation, which is improving.

My recommendation is to seize every opportunity for preparedness. Being prepared does not necessarily mean that this preparedness will be utilized in a short time; however, unpreparedness always imposes a great and terrifying danger on the country and the reputation of the armed forces. Preparedness must always be maintained and increased; both spiritual and material preparedness.

I ask the Almighty God to bestow His grace, guidance, and mercy upon all of you, my dear ones, and to empower us to fulfill the great and honorable duties we bear, to make each day better than the previous one, and to unite the high-ranking martyrs of the Islamic Republic Army and the ground forces and all armed organizations of the Islamic Republic with their leaders.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.