Statements of His Eminence at the Ceremony of Awarding the Medal of Victory to Some Commanders of the Operations Fath al-Mubin and Beit al-Moqaddas

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

God willing, may the memory of this historic and unforgettable day always be cherished by you, dear brothers and valiant warriors of the battlefield.

When the dear Islamic Revolution triumphed, many in the world tried not to take it seriously and not to believe it. A political system and a government are genuine and serious when they rely on their people and the strength of their nation, and this strength can demonstrate its effectiveness at the moment of need. When the invading forces broke our borders and entered, and we saw thousands of square kilometers of our dear homeland under the feet of foreigners, our enemies rejoiced. This theory that the revolution and the massive popular organization standing against the global system of domination is not serious and profound gained strength in the minds of the enemies of this revolution and gave them hope, and again we saw this hope in their words, postures, statements, correspondences, and comings and goings; but when 'Fath al-Mubin' occurred and in a few days, a great victory in that scene of such magnitude was achieved by the forces of this nation, by the armed forces of this country, by the sincere loyalists of the revolution — that is, you — the pillars of the world's arrogant thinking were shaken. And when, in a span of almost twenty days, the 'Beit al-Moqaddas' operation with such breadth and magnitude and decisive blow to the enemy began, and finally Khorramshahr returned to the Islamic homeland and thousands of invaders were captured, and the enemy's front was shaken and crushed, in truth, this false notion that the enemies of Islam, the revolution, and Iran were trying to spread was completely destroyed and vanished. Thus, this was a turning point for the revolution.

I tell you and all the armed forces, know that the pride of the nation and the victory of Islam and the proof of the intrinsic and inherent power of this country is only possible with your increasing readiness, cohesion, and efficiency. We have no motivation to attack anyone; but the Islamic Revolution and the great nation of Iran have shown that they do not reconcile with the current system of domination, discrimination, oppression, and disorder of the world's dominations. Our revolution has explicitly stated that it does not accept bullying from anyone. The Iranian nation shouted that they do not recognize the tyrants and the corrupt global power structures that want to bully our nation and the oppressed nations and will not submit to their power.

On the day when the world was bipolar and these two poles joined hands and, using their weapons, money, propaganda, even human resources, intelligence, satellites, and so on, all coordinated against the Iranian nation and against the orientation of this great and Muslim nation and concentrated this coordination on the Iraqi front against Iran, they failed. On that day, the Iranian nation did not retreat in the struggle of war and under various pressures.

We did not retreat in any global issue during the eight years of war to gain the favor and satisfaction of America and the Soviet Union. Everyone from all sides was trying to make us understand that the way to make America and the Soviet Union friendly and gentle with you is to retreat from your firm and steadfast positions! But the great leadership of the Iranian nation and this noble and brave nation did not retreat one step.

Today, we are more committed to not retreating. Today, we have neutralized the enemy's eight-year conspiracy. Today, we have identified the intrinsic and internal forces of our country. Today, we have planned for the increasing construction and progress of the country. Today, relying on God and the will of this great nation, we feel powerful. How is it possible for the great powers to impose their will on the Iranian nation?

The Islamic Revolution and the Iranian nation, despite the will of the world's voracious powers, have become a model for nations; a living and instructive model. What you see in countries that have been trapped in the narrow cage of party illusions and ethnic oppression for decades, nations — especially Muslim nations and also many oppressed nations of other countries — feel identity and personality and speak their words and demand their rights, this is due to the perseverance of the Iranian nation. From the day we started until the day the nations of the world repeated our model and version, it took ten years and more. What is observed in the world is the model of the resistance of the Iranian nation.

Of course, every country, every land, every geographical region has its characteristics, but the real essence of all these movements that you see today in Europe, Asia, Islamic countries of Africa, and in many parts of the world is that a nation gains self-confidence and finds the courage and audacity to speak. And this is the same version of the Iranian nation. This is what the Iranian nation started and established and endured all the hardships for eleven years; but did not lose this true, spiritual, and divine essence. Today, thanks be to God, we are more prepared, more energetic, and more powerful than ever.

I have a continuous and emphatic recommendation for you brothers in the army and the Revolutionary Guards, and that is to strive to fulfill the role of the armed forces in this great collection of the Iranian nation in the best possible way. Our nation is a brave nation; our armed forces are more entitled to bravery. Our nation is a resilient nation; our armed forces are more entitled to resilience. The armed forces must have quality, stability, strong organization, top-level training, and increasing readiness.

Regarding weapons and equipment, whatever the country's capabilities dictate and allow will be done. What you can expect no other factor for is the solidity of organization, permanent combat readiness, complete training, maintaining boundaries and regulations, and complete military discipline. These are not things that are to be produced for us, or to be brought from outside, or to require extraordinary material investment. This is related to the strength and will of the command and the diligent and sincere work of the officials. This must be ensured.

There is no difference between the Revolutionary Guards and the army. Both are dear, both are responsible, both are necessary, and both have their specific duties. Of course, the scope of duties of each is different from the scope of duties of the other. Your collection must be ready to prove the power and capability of the Islamic Republic by defending valiantly at any time and anywhere; 'to strike terror into the enemy of God and your enemy.'

Your readiness is a deterrent to the enemy. On the day the enemy attacked, they felt unpreparedness in us. On that day, if our armed forces were ready and disciplined and had proper and accountable command at their head, this attack probably would not have taken place, and the enemy would have considered it. The enemy was tempted on that day; but our nation has done something that America cannot covet. Our armed forces must do something that no enemy can covet our independence, solidity, unity, and territorial integrity.

The cooperation of the two organizations, the Revolutionary Guards and the army, is extremely important. The support of the great popular force — that is, the Basij force — is very significant. Alongside the military forces, the law enforcement forces, with the same dignity and status of the revolutionary law enforcement, have and must have their strong and permanent presence. This collection of armed forces is the spearhead of the great power of this nation and the means of defending the dignity and honor and personality of our Islamic country.

I hope the Almighty God grants all of you success and that the pure soul of our great Imam — who always had special attention to the armed forces — is pleased with you and that the attentions of the Imam of the Age (may our souls be sacrificed for him) support all of you.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings