Statements of His Excellency and Commander-in-Chief at the Ceremony of Epaulettes at Imam Ali (AS) Officer University

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

I congratulate this day to all the dear graduates of this course, as well as to the recipients of epaulettes, the professors, officials, and trainers of this university, and I hope that this university, its programs, and its graduates will always be under the grace of the Lord.

I am very pleased to have the opportunity to attend this symbolic, profound, and meaningful ceremony. A group of pure and noble youth of this country are preparing in a scientific and educational center to position themselves in the dangerous ranks of defending the national identity and borders of this country and to defend their nation, country, history, dignity, and honor. This is something very valuable and significant. This ceremony is entirely indicative of this very glorious and valuable truth.

In fact, the armed forces in any country should symbolize the zeal and dignity of the people of that country; however, this truth does not always manifest externally. In many countries and among many nations, their armed forces are not only not a manifestation of national dignity, pride, and zeal, but they also stand in opposition to it. Unfortunately, there was a time in our country when this was the case; that is, the armed forces not only did not reflect the dignity of this nation, but efforts and planning were made for the armed forces to safeguard the interests of foreigners and others. The body of the armed forces was suffering; the honorable and pure-hearted officers of that day were also suffering; but these plans were made because the concentrated interventionist power of global arrogance desired it this way and, backed by wealth, force, weapons, and various deceptive methods, imposed its will on many. Today, this is still the case in many parts of the world.

We thank God that our great and powerful nation has been able to demonstrate its independence and strong will in all areas of life; including in the armed forces. Our armed forces have performed well and defended valiantly. For every young person, being present in the ranks of the armed forces of the Islamic Republic—whether in the army, the Revolutionary Guard, or other branches of the armed forces—is an honor.

Today, the motivations for independence among the nations of the world have greatly increased. Once again, this truth is manifesting itself that nations cannot forever submit and obey the interventionist global powers. Certainly, the Iranian nation and the armed forces played a significant role in the valiant eight-year defense and in the presence of this courageous thought among nations. Today, it is the same. If you see that the people of Lebanon were able to nullify and break the myth of the invincibility and inability to retreat of the Zionist forces through the hands of their brave youth, and today, within the occupied territories, the oppressed people of Palestine, despite being unarmed, resist and stand firm, causing the cruel and hard-hearted Zionist forces to face difficulties, it is because, over the past twenty years, the loud cry of the Iranian nation has reached ears in various fields, and despite efforts to silence the voice of the Iranian nation, they could not and will not be able to.

Thanks be to God, the nation is strong; the country is powerful; the thought that this system, this nation, these youth, and you dear ones have entered these fields relying on is a firm and penetrating thought based on solid logic; it can attract faith and emotions and mobilize forces in this path.

From you dear youth who have just joined the army, it is a rightful expectation that with your initiative, freshness, and enthusiasm, you complete the vast organization of the Islamic Republic Army even more. Both your steadfastness, your faith, your spirit of devotion and love for spiritual principles, your abilities and academic advancements, your military and combat readiness, and your discipline and order have been demonstrated in this ceremony, in reports, and in performances. These are very good signs. Faithful, determined, educated, and deeply committed youth to the ideals of Islam and divine values will enter the field and enrich, fill, and enhance the army organization. Hope and expectation are placed upon you young people to carry this trust—which the previous generation brought to this point with their selfless struggle—further and beyond.

I pray for divine success for all of you and all the esteemed officials of this university and those who have been able to provide these valuable fruits through their efforts and hard work.

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