Statements of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution at the Oath-Taking and Epaulette Awarding Ceremony at Imam Ali (AS) Officer University

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

I congratulate all of you dear youth on entering the ranks of service in the Islamic Republic Army and receiving your epaulettes, officially marking your devoted and courageous presence in the armed forces... Our dear youth in the officer university and in all military universities of the country are engaged in work and study with two goals: the first goal is knowledge, and the second goal is military readiness and training. Military personnel in the Islamic Republic of Iran must be knowledgeable, wise, and possess a deep understanding of all societal issues, indeed all matters of creation. Education is a position and a foundation for great successes. Your first task, dear youth, is to acquire knowledge and elevate your level of understanding. It is through knowledge that a person, a society, and a country gain capability. What has befallen the backward nations of the world has been due to negligence and ignorance. The second goal is the spirit of militarism and the cultivation of courage and valor. Learning military skills must be accompanied by this spirit. Military personnel - whether army, Revolutionary Guard, or other armed forces - are those who are ready to demonstrate valor and sacrifice in the pursuit of their country's lofty ideals and the advancement of their nation’s power. A nation, especially when pursuing high ideals, will have enemies, and undoubtedly these enemies will not refrain from exercising power. If a nation wishes to remain dignified, it must be powerful. This power, in its military form, is achieved through the armed forces. The armed forces are the stronghold of a nation. The ideals of the Islamic Republic - which were referred to in the address to the dear students - are lofty human and divine ideals. The ideals of the Islamic Republic include the elevation of humanity, the advancement of humanity, the welfare of humanity, the empowerment of society, progress in all fields of human knowledge, support for justice throughout the world, and confrontation with the oppressors, aggressors, and the greedy. These are ideals that when a nation believes in and commits to them, it will gain respect and honor both in the presence of God and in the higher realms, as well as in the eyes of all humanity across the globe. For this reason, the Islamic Republic, by presenting its lofty ideals in the global environment - which spread like a spring breeze everywhere and reached the ears of all - has gained a very high status in the eyes of nations. Today, wherever the destructive effects of the extensive propaganda of the enemies have not blocked the path, the nations of the world view the Iranian nation with admiration and respect. During the eight-year imposed war, when the armed forces and the Iranian nation demonstrated that unforgettable and heroic defense, many Muslim nations accepted your faith, your religion, your thoughts, and your beliefs thanks to that same heroic defense and steadfastness against oppression and aggression, without any propaganda; these are the realities. The ideals of the Islamic Republic are ideals that exist in the depths of the hearts of all nations. All nations seek independence, freedom, and liberation from the grip of the global power-seeking oppressors. All nations desire welfare, knowledge, a prosperous life, and security and peace, which can only be achieved with the help of a spiritual atmosphere and the gentle spirit of religion; all of these are among the lofty ideals of the Islamic Republic. We seek power for our nation not for aggression, welfare not accompanied by social gaps, scientific advancement not neglecting spiritual ideals; rather, we seek welfare with justice, scientific advancement alongside psychological and spiritual security, and power with a fraternal outlook towards all nations of the world; these are the ideals of the Islamic Republic. You in this university - which is honored by the name of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) - and in every other military university, are moving towards these ideals and preparing yourselves for courageous and manly defense with your youthful efforts today. This is a very great position; this is a very precious and valuable opportunity; cherish it. Today, the armed forces are esteemed in the eyes of the dear Iranian nation. Today, the armed forces do not have the arrogant and oppressive face, nor the sense of separation from the people and the power that distances any human from the essence of the people. Strengthen this spirit within yourselves; the spirit of being with the people, for the people, and in pursuit of the people's goals. In the atmosphere of knowledge and youthful enthusiasm in this university, consider this opportunity valuable for your spiritual purification. The spirit of youthful purity and the brilliance of young hearts is a great blessing that must be cherished during youth. Today you, young, healthy, and active, are engaged in the pursuit of knowledge and one of the most valuable services to your country, your nation, and your dear Islam; this is a very valuable opportunity. Keep the spirit of hope alive within yourselves. The blessed name of Imam Mahdi (may our souls be sacrificed for him) in the address to the students and in the words of all those who possess a bright heart refers to the reserve of hope for humanity and history. Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him) is the reserve of hope for humanity. If this hope exists in the heart of a person, the ostentatious displays of power by the powerful will seem hollow, and their powerful presence in the arenas of global play will be worthy of mockery; this is the reality of the matter. The clamor of the powerful is like the foam on water in the face of the original and everlasting current of truth and spirituality, which cannot endure and always show itself. You are connected to that original, bubbling, and continuous flow; truly know yourselves; truly know your path and cherish it. I hope these joint courses will contribute to the ever-increasing advancement of the Islamic Republic Army and the better growth of our military students, and may God Almighty protect all of you and grant you dear youth to this nation and this country. Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.

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