Statements of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution at the Graduation Ceremony of Students of Imam Ali University

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

I congratulate you, dear youth, on your graduation ceremony and to the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The nurturing of faithful and efficient youth and their presence in various levels of service - whether in the Army, the Revolutionary Guard, or other responsible institutions of the country - is a good news for the officials of the country and for all segments of the nation.

Today, as we progress and new generations enter the arena, it is felt that the level of knowledge and commitment among the officials of the country, at various levels, is rising.

You will be working within the Army, in various sectors. Each of you carries a heavy responsibility, and the weight of this responsibility corresponds to the importance and value of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran and, in general, the armed forces in the Islamic Republic. Just as the armed forces in the Islamic Republic are a manifestation of national power and dignity and the ability to defend the entirety and identity of the nation - this is a reality that is, thanks be to God, evident in our armed forces today - and in proportion to this high value that exists for the Army of the Islamic Republic and other armed forces, each one of you is also a bearer of the responsibility of enhancing dignity and power for this organization.

If a nation does not have the power to defend itself, its dignity has no guarantee. In a world where material desires and motivations govern the powerful instead of spiritual values, no nation can hope for any support or assistance from any center other than the inner strength that God the Almighty has granted it.

Nations must rely on themselves to achieve the dignity they deem worthy of. This power is the power of knowledge; it is the power of self-defense; it is the ability to manifest internal talents. A nation must possess these capabilities to be esteemed. You are the manifestation of the defensive power of your country; the armed forces. It is true that in times of great trials, the entire nation stands behind the armed forces and does not leave them alone; as was proven during the eight-year defense, but nonetheless, the entity that has the primary responsibility and mission in the field of defense is the armed forces of the country, and you dear youth should enter the necessary sectors, organizations, units, and divisions with this intention, this thought, and this feeling, and begin your mission to elevate your organization to its ideal levels so that you can fulfill your share in the defensive power of this great and dear nation. Initiative, innovation, pure motivation for service, maintaining purity and clarity that you, thanks be to God, possess today, attention to the regulations of the armed forces and adherence to these regulations, reliance on God, trust in God, seeking success from God the Almighty, and confidence in your inherent strength; these are the keys to your success. In this vast field that lies ahead of you, talents will emerge and personalities will grow. Among you, undoubtedly, there will be those who will have a significant impact on the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran and on the advancement of this organization.

I ask God the Almighty for success for all of you. And as these days remind us of the years of sacred defense, I ask God the Almighty to place you among the distinguished defenders of the country at all times, and may the prayer of Hazrat Baqiatullah be upon you.

I pray for mercy and forgiveness for the dear martyrs and the dear veterans in the armed forces and in the Army of the Islamic Republic.

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