Statements of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution in a Joint Military Meeting in Semnan Province

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

I am pleased to meet with you, the brave and faithful warriors; the Zulfiqar Brigade, the Qaem Brigade, and other units of the army, the IRGC, the Basij, and the police forces of this province, in the home of this brigade.

The role of the armed forces during the turbulent life of the Islamic Republic has been one of honor. Our armed forces demonstrated their capabilities, position, and will in the field of action before expressing them verbally. God willed that in the early years of the Islamic Republic, when the enemies thought the country was devoid of armed hands and arms, they would show such a powerful defense against the comprehensive aggression of the enemies that this would become a constructive and nurturing field for the bodies, souls, and hearts of the prepared and capable youth of this land. The Sacred Defense period was an hour-by-hour period of beneficial and blessed training and development for the nation, the country, and our armed forces. During that time, our armed forces observed young people from all walks of life who were not affiliated with any armed organization alongside them. The close relationship of the armed forces with the people, and their solidarity and kinship on the blessed fronts of this glorious defense, increased more than ever.

Today, our armed forces are from the people, with the people, and for the people. The pride of our armed forces is that their goals are inspired by deep Islamic faith. Today, training, combat, exercises, readiness, discipline, and the development of tools within the armed forces, and everything related to the defense of a nation by its armed forces, is all carried out with reliance on God and inspiration from divine and Islamic faith. Our armed forces do not enter this field for personal gain, for rank, or for material possessions. The goals, paths, and programs arise from the teachings of religion and Quranic education; and the goal is outlined by the guardians of the faith. The people feel that their youth are moving in the way of God when they don the sacred uniform of the Sacred Defense in any of the organizations.

Today, in a world filled with material motivations, in a world where the tyrants of the world sacrifice human lives for their wicked, satanic goals and make the safe haven of human life unsafe, the armed forces are attacking the lives and properties of nations; people witness bitter examples of savagery in Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon, and many other regions of the world. In such an era, a nation that wishes to preserve its dignity and pride must rely on the will of its youth and men, and on the faith that has arisen from the depths of their hearts. If the armed forces obey any command, it is inspired by the teachings of religion and their heartfelt faith; this is a source of pride for a nation; this strengthens a nation; this provides a country with real, established security.

Today, we take pride in our armed forces. Our armed forces - our army, our IRGC, our police, and various sectors related to these organizations - each in their own way and within their responsibilities and commitments, are engaged in sincere and devoted efforts. Each of you, wherever you are, keep this feeling of faith alive and do not tire in your efforts. In the life and history of nations, there are periods that are decisive for them. We are in one of these decisive periods in the tumultuous era following the revolution. Our history, our future, our children, and successive generations in the great Islamic Iran will be shaped by the commitment and will of those responsible for the country today - whether military and police forces or other responsible organizations. Our work today is decisive. Good training, good behavior, good performance, steadfast will, resolute determination, and always vigilant awareness, solidarity, and empathy among various sectors, utilizing the innovations and diverse talents that exist within each of you, at different ranks and in various organizations, must be the action plan of the armed forces today.

Do not tire or weaken in the way of God. Never let fear of enemies who are devoid of religion, ethics, and fairness enter your hearts; "And do not weaken or grieve." This is a command from the Quran. "And you will be the uppermost if you are believers." Your faith has made you the best. Preserve this faith; apply it in your organizational actions, individual actions, and in fulfilling your commitments and responsibilities; especially you young people, prepare yourselves for heavier and greater responsibilities.

Today, with God's grace and the power of the Almighty, the country, with its grandeur and dignity, has been able to ward off the plots and schemes of the enemy from itself on the international stage; root this grandeur, dignity, and material and spiritual power more deeply in your behaviors. Each of the organizations and various sectors of the organizations should correctly recognize their responsibilities, understand their requirements, and be deeply committed and steadfast to them; unity, solidarity, and empathy among themselves should be regarded as an undeniable and established principle.

Know that this nation, which has made its will and faith the criterion of its work and has utilized it, this nation that has recognized its identity and relied on it, has a destiny that is nothing but dignity, pride, and increasing power. In the path to reach this magnificent peak, everyone must cooperate together; everyone must empower each other: "And enjoin one another to truth and enjoin one another to patience."

I thank the Lord of the Universe for witnessing the steadfast faces of you dear youth of this nation and I pray for the success and health of all of you and the esteemed commanders of all organizations from the Almighty God, and I wish for the prayer of the Awaited Savior (may our souls be sacrificed for him) for all of you.

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