Statements in a Video Conference with the Joint Graduation Ceremony of Armed Forces University Students

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

Thanks be to God, the Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings be upon our master Muhammad and his pure family, especially the Awaited One on earth. Peace be upon Hussein, and upon Ali ibn Hussein, and upon the children of Hussein, and upon the companions of Hussein.

The synergy and exchange of experiences among the armed forces universities is a great blessing and an opportunity. First, I congratulate the graduation of our dear, experienced youth from the armed forces universities, as well as the entry of young cadets into the university and their preparation for this proud journey. I also thank the brief and useful remarks and the good reports from the esteemed Chief of Staff and the commanders of the armed forces universities, as well as the eloquent and articulate presenter of the ceremony. The execution of this ceremony, where all armed forces universities gather at the same time and place, carries a great blessing with it, and that is the creation of an opportunity for the armed forces universities to come closer to each other, to utilize each other's experiences, to synergize, and to assist one another; their connection will certainly benefit these universities. The venue of this gathering is the well-established Imam Ali University, which I remember well from 1979, at the beginning of the imposed war, when students from this university came to Ahvaz, went to Susangerd, and engaged in combat; they were students, but they began their struggle from that student period.

Security is a very high and fundamental value and a vital element for the country. My dear ones! One of the things that gives value to a task is its goal. If we want to know the value of our actions, we must recognize their goals. If this calculation is correct - and it is - studying at our military universities and the armed forces organizations is one of the most honorable and valuable tasks; why? Because by studying at these universities, our youth enter the armed forces that ensure the security of the country, and security is a very high and fundamental value; it is a vital element; because without security, all the important values of the country will be disrupted; both welfare, justice, knowledge, and other important values. Therefore, attending these universities is a very important opportunity, a very valuable task. Studying and graduating from these universities prepares you to engage, God willing, in one of the most valuable tasks, which is to maintain the security of your country and nation.

Of course, the armed forces, in addition to ensuring security, have other important tasks, one of the greatest of which is providing services to the nation; both the army, the IRGC, the police force, and the Basij have offered various services to the Iranian nation in recent years, especially in this recent period: both infrastructural services, such as dams, roads, and refineries; and in the field of health and treatment, the armed forces have done a great job in the polio vaccine; today, they are truly in the field regarding the issues of COVID-19 and are providing various necessary services; in the area of livelihood assistance, very good work is also being done by the armed forces. Of course, they do not announce these, they do not publicize them, but they are doing good work that we are aware of. Also, in the exercise of empathy and charitable assistance, the armed forces played a role in these past months. In flood and earthquake incidents and similar events, the role of the armed forces is evident; in the flood at the beginning of 2019 and before that in the earthquake in Kermanshah province, they truly played a significant role. Therefore, our armed forces, thanks be to God, are honorable, dignified, and valuable; this can be felt by everyone.

Defensive power, economic stability, and cultural capability are three pillars of national power. My dear ones! Defensive power is one of the pillars of national power. If we consider at least three main pillars for our national power, one of these pillars is economic stability and strength, which is very important; one is cultural capability and robustness, which is very fundamental; and one is defensive power. Defensive power is vital for a country, vital for the power of a nation. If nations do not have this defensive power, those who are inclined to aggression, interference, and encroachment upon other countries and nations - which you see examples of today in the world: America and some other countries - will not leave them alone; if there is no defensive power in a country, others will not leave them alone and will encroach upon everything they have, as you see today what encroachments are happening to some countries.

The rational and logical foundations for calculating power. The basis of power in the Islamic Republic is also a basis of rationality; that is, we pursue power based on feelings, emotions, and illusions, and the like. The calculation of national power is a rational calculation; that is, it is a correct and logical calculation. The extent of defensive power, the breadth and depth of the armed forces, the manner of dividing responsibilities among the armed forces, and determining the types of defensive tools are all based on correct and logical calculations; that is, based on rationality. If we want to apply rationality to determine the limits and boundaries of our defensive power, we must see the threat in its true form. Enemies sometimes conceal threats and hide them for surprise, and sometimes they exaggerate threats tenfold to create fear and terror in the nations of the world, which this second action is more commonly done by superpowers; they show their threats and power much more than they are to force others into submission. If a person can see the threat in its actual size, [if] a nation, a country, and its armed forces and leaders see the threat in its actual size, and on the other hand, they also see their own capacities and abilities realistically and quantify them, mobilize them, prepare them - and prepare for them whatever you can; (3) - and see the enemy's threat capacity, this will certainly secure national interests and preserve national existence, and maintain national identity. If a nation has the defensive power arising from such a calculation, then the officials will gain tranquility, the people will find peace, and with peace of mind, they will engage in the essential tasks required in a country. Therefore, this is how defensive power works.

The difference between rationality and correct calculation, with fearing the enemy and vacating the field. We have stated that rationality means correct calculation; a correct and sound calculation and computational system; rationality means this. Some people, when they mention reason and rationality, mean fearing; when they say be wise, they mean be afraid, be passive, and flee from the enemy! No, [this is not correct] cowards have no right to invoke the name of rationality. Fearing and fleeing and vacating the field is not called rationality; it is called fear and flight and the like; rationality means correct calculation. Of course, the enemy tries to instill the incorrect meaning of rationality, and some unknowingly sometimes repeat the enemy's words.

You see that actions are taken against our missile capabilities, against our military organization, and propaganda is made against our regional capabilities, which are very important and significant for our defensive power, and they speak against these - these American liars that you see; truly, the scoundrels who say whatever comes to their minds, recklessly and without calculation, wherever they go, they sit and speak against the Islamic Republic - this is because these fundamental capabilities have been created through precise calculation and, God willing, will progress, and these [enemy propaganda] stem from their backwardness in this field and from their fear. Therefore, it is important to maintain the computational system, keep it healthy, and not let it become disrupted. If our computational system becomes disrupted, many of our capabilities will also be lost, and our good conditions will turn into bad conditions.

It is not only the issue of the armed forces and the defense apparatus and defensive power that must stem from rationality; no, in all important matters for managing a country, especially in the Islamic Republic, which emphasizes so much on reason, thought, and reflection, if we want things to proceed correctly, we must act based on rationality. We also speak of fighting oppression based on rationality; the pursuit of justice must also be based on rationality; our social struggles must also be based on rationality and correct calculation; we must not get caught up in the margins, and we must not confuse the essence with the branches.

The solvability of livelihood and economic problems. Of course, we have stated that one pillar of national power is defensive power, one pillar is economic issues and economic stability and strength, and one pillar is cultural issues. In the area of cultural issues, when, for example, the discussion of cultural invasion arises, we see that the enemy becomes flustered and enters with its propaganda against the slogan of "fighting cultural invasion"; that is, the enemy is afraid that you are aware and understand that there is a cultural invasion and that it must be confronted. In the area of economic issues, it is the same. Of course, economic issues are under pressure; we currently have problems in economic areas, the livelihood of the people is facing difficulties, all of which [are] solvable. I do not believe that the relevant officials in economic matters are not making efforts; no, a lot of efforts are being made, especially in some sectors, there are good efforts. Of course, there are issues with managerial capacity in some sectors; we accept that in some of our economic sectors, managerial capacity is weak. We have good resolutions, [but] these resolutions must be pursued. I mention this here so that alongside the issue of defensive power, which is one of our most important issues, economic issues are not neglected and forgotten, and there is a comprehensive view of all these matters. Management must be strong, active, and tireless. Wherever we have encountered management with these characteristics - that is, tirelessness and activity and vitality - we have seen that work has progressed, and wherever this necessary and constant presence has not existed, of course, problems arise.

Focusing on the issue of production, preventing the continuous decline of the national currency value, and closing loopholes. The remedy for economic issues is what we have repeatedly emphasized over the past two or three years; the remedy is to focus and concentrate on the issue of production and preventing the continuous decline of the national currency value, and closing loopholes. There are loopholes that sometimes even the good work being done in the country is hindered by these loopholes; such as smuggling, such as excessive imports, and some financial corruption; these are loopholes. These loopholes prevent the good work being done from reaching its results. They must strive and work tirelessly day and night, and God willing, changes will occur.

Resilience against America's malicious sanctions. Of course, the role of America's malice should not be overlooked. These malicious sanctions by America are a crime in the true sense of the word. Now we resist, we stand firm, and God willing, this maximum pressure will lead to maximum disgrace for America; we will do this with God's grace and make them regret this action, but they are committing their own crimes; that is, what they are doing is a crime. The President of America expresses happiness that yes, we have imposed maximum economic pressure and maximum sanctions and disrupted the economy of Iran. First, this action is a crime, and only vile people like you take pride in committing crimes; this is not a point of pride; you are committing a crime against a nation and taking pride in it! This is first. Secondly, your own situation is very bad; America today has a budget deficit of thousands of billions of dollars, with millions of homeless, displaced, and hungry people below the poverty line - which their own statistics indicate - and they do not have a good economic situation, and their economic situation is getting worse day by day, and their debts are increasing; this is secondly. And thirdly, God willing, we will overcome the problems with the power of faith and national determination, in spite of your eyes, you lying, vile, treacherous, and criminal officials of America, and we will manage the situation, God willing.

Using sanctions to strengthen the country's economy. We will also use these sanctions to strengthen our economy; that is, these sanctions will, God willing, lead to the strengthening of our economy and allow us to implement a truly resilient economy in the country.

I have said this, and I repeat it again, so that all the activists in various sectors responsible for the economy and beyond know that the remedy for all problems lies within the country. Many of our problems are related to outside the country, but the remedy is within. No one should seek the remedy for problems outside the country; we will see no good or benefit from outside the country; the remedy is within, the remedy is in internal management, the remedy is in internal effort, the remedy is in a correct perspective and accurate calculation of the country's and regional issues, and by employing the power of intellect; with firm determination and resolve, we can, God willing, overcome the problems, and this noise and clamor that these scoundrels dominating the American nation make should not occupy anyone's mind.

A few recommendations to the armed forces: 1) Anticipating and planning to confront new threats. Well; let us return to the armed forces. I want to offer a few recommendations. One important recommendation pertains to the universities. An important task is to know that the threats facing countries - our country and others - are constantly evolving. What is considered a military threat today is not necessarily the same as what was considered a military threat twenty years ago; new threats exist as military threats. Because threats are evolving, our military universities must also have plans to confront new and emerging threats; this must be taken into account in the universities' research: they must have plans for confrontation. In addition, they must also anticipate new threats; for example, today there are threats in cyberspace that did not exist in this form ten years ago, and there may be other threats of this kind that arise in the coming years; our thoughtful individuals should sit down and, using collective wisdom and our universities' research, predict these. This must be a significant part of our universities' activities, and universities must have serious things to say in this regard.

2) The importance of transforming the experiences of the Sacred Defense into theories for teaching, research, and study. The next point is that our armed forces gained valuable experiences during the Sacred Defense and even after it; that is, truly some of the military tactics and actions taken in the battlefield during the eight-year Sacred Defense were unprecedented in the world, and many of our operations contain extraordinary experiences; now from the operations of Thamen al-A'imah (peace be upon him) to, for example, the operations of Fath al-Mubin, Bait al-Muqaddas, Khaybar, Valfajr 8, Karbala 5, and similar ones, we see that extraordinary work was done in these victorious operations; in operations that did not succeed, such as Karbala 4, like Ramadan, and similar ones, there are valuable experiences; we must utilize these experiences. Today, of course, the narration of these experiences in universities is common and this narration is being done and is very good, but it is not enough; these experiences must be transformed into theories; experience must become a defensive theory and be taught and researched, and studies must be conducted around them, and these experiences must be updated and aligned with current needs, and God willing, they will be utilized; these are very valuable assets that must be used and expanded and completed.

3) The necessity of obligatory regulations in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. The last point I want to mention is again about COVID-19, which we are committed to addressing in all our discussions. First of all, once again and for the umpteenth time, I sincerely thank the relevant health and treatment officials, the dear nurses, the dear doctors, and those who are involved in these matters. In this third wave, which is truly dangerous, the infections and casualties for a person looking at it are very painful. We must thank them, [because] they are truly sacrificing and working. What I want to say today is that regulations must be authoritative and obligatory. Of course, I have said this to the esteemed officials, to the esteemed President, and to others for a long time; that it must be made obligatory. There are certain activities that must be suspended, some travels must be prohibited. As you have seen, [the prohibition] of Arbaeen travel was accepted by our religious and faithful people, who we said should not go to the border, and they did not go; this is very important. In the matter of mourning ceremonies, which the National Headquarters for Combating this disease set regulations for, the faithful and religious people who are committed adhered strictly to the regulations. This must be extended to various areas and must be made obligatory and mandatory. Some travels must truly be prevented; sometimes certain travels cause the spread to occur recklessly and uncontrollably, which is truly regrettable. Therefore, both in speech and in action, everyone must be vigilant so that, God willing, we can rid ourselves of this disease and the nation can, God willing, free itself from this great affliction that exists.

I entrust all of you to God, I pray for all of you; we hope that, God willing, the Almighty God will increase His blessings upon all of you, upon the officials, upon the dear youth, upon the students, and upon the graduates day by day.

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