Speech at the Morning Assembly of the First Naval Fleet of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran

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

As we move forward, the importance of the Navy for the Islamic Republic of Iran becomes more evident. In the past few years, what has been observed from the Navy—both the Navy of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps—has been very valuable and a source of pride. The combination of these two forces is exactly what the Islamic Republic needs and what our fighting and Muslim nation expects.

It has been repeated many times that the necessity of being a Muslim is vigilance and readiness. A Muslim is not one who sits idly by until danger surprises him and frantically seeks a remedy; rather, a Muslim is one who, according to the Quran—which states: "And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war"—prepares himself in advance to the utmost of his ability. Especially due to the threats that the Islamic Republic system and our dear country have always faced and continue to face today, we must understand and act upon this command of "prepare" in its precise meaning. Militarily, first and foremost, the Army and the Revolutionary Guard, and then all the people, must be ready. Since the organizational duty of the Army and the Guard is this, we say they are in the first rank; however, defense and support and assistance to the Army and the Guard is the duty of everyone. The Basij, meaning the collective of the nation's people, are those who can defend.

Today, if we look at the military situation and the geography of the region, we can quickly determine that the armed forces of the Islamic Republic must enhance and increase their naval capabilities. Let no one say that the tools of the enemies and threateners are more advanced than ours; because the answer to this statement is that our faith, determination, and steadfastness are greater than all those who face us, and this is decisive. This is what delivers the final word in confrontations. We have this and we maintain it. Of course, we also make our capabilities as extensive and high-quality as possible. This is our duty.

In this vast sea that forms the borders of the Islamic Republic, we have various duties, and the Army and the Guard must perform these duties together. For a long time—perhaps since the early days of the war or even before the war began—enemies have always suggested that the two organizations, the Army and the Guard, cannot cooperate! Why shouldn't they? The experience of the eight-year full-scale war imposed on us and our sacred defense against it disproved this claim.

At one time, it was said that the Army should step back in favor of the Guard; it was a lie and remains a lie. At another time, it was said that the Guard should make way for the Army; this too was a lie and remains a lie. The quality of our country and the quality of the Islamic Republic system and the complex composition of our enemies necessitate that, as much as we can, we benefit from all the high qualities of popular and equipment capabilities. This is possible within the two organizations of the Army and the Guard. Anyone who says otherwise is speaking falsely.

Today, I tell all of you that the Navy of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps must both exist and both, side by side, like brothers and comrades—not like rivals—will be kind and complementary to each other. This is what we want, and this is what, God willing, we will implement with divine success. Anyone who says otherwise is speaking falsely.

Today, the Navy of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran is in its best condition in the past ten years. We have carefully studied all the various situations in this force. The golden pages of past glories of this force—the efforts you made, the martyrs you gave, the struggles you demonstrated—alongside your high efficiencies today, are at your disposal. The spirits and efficiencies are good and excellent and will be even better in the future.

Of course, the Navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is a much younger force. So far, this force has performed very valuable tasks in its area of responsibilities. The day we can provide the public with the details of the small and large tasks during the imposed war in these azure seas, it will become clear what sacrifices these modest and unassuming youths made in these small and large boats, under the scorching sun and on the water's surface. Many of these instances have remained hidden from the eyes of enemies and friends and may remain so for a long time.

I praise the Navy of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran; I also praise the Navy of the Guard. I consider these two forces as two organizations, and both organizations have responsibilities and are alongside each other. Both must exist, both have responsibilities, and anyone who says otherwise is speaking against reality. Sometimes enemies sit and say, it seems that a certain organization is going to be dissolved or weakened. These are enemies; but friends have no right to utter words that enemies speak.

We have a great capacity for strengthening and enlarging our armed forces, including the Navy. Therefore, the Navy consists of two forces, both of which must become strong; however, their tasks are not repetitive, their equipment should not be repetitive, and they should not be parallel to each other. These two forces must be in sequence and complement each other; not repeat each other. These are the general lines. The details of these general lines will be fully developed by the relevant commanders, and much of it has already been developed. The equipment and work of these two forces are two types of equipment and two types of work with two different natures that they have at their disposal in the sea and must perform.

The main issue is that they must be one hundred percent coordinated. When we face enemies armed to the teeth, filled with hatred and resentment towards Islam and the Islamic Republic, I cannot tolerate that our own forces allow themselves to dispute with each other. There must be complete coordination, and both forces must move with a single command. I am not satisfied with anything less than this.

I will make the command of both forces joint. I have a plan in mind and have shared it with the officials; but it must be matured and its aspects considered. The summary of the plan is that a single commander must command the Navy of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Both forces must look at each other with brotherly feelings. Of course, each force has special responsibilities and capabilities, and the maximum maintenance and utilization of those capabilities is the responsibility of that force itself and they must be accountable.

Our dear brothers should know that the enemy, due to its lack of faith in the truth and its poverty of right, despite its apparent equipment, is completely vulnerable and weak. We have experienced this repeatedly during the imposed war and in these very seas. Today, we do not have an openly declared war against us; but there are threats that require our vigilance and readiness. Strengthen and coordinate this maneuver as much as you can, so that efficiencies increase.

The issue of construction, maintenance, and reconstruction of tools and vessels is one of those very important points. In this gathering, I find it necessary to thank the officials of the factories of the Navy of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran, especially those capable hands and warm and faithful hearts who made successful and round-the-clock efforts in the reconstruction of the Sabalan destroyer. Increase and double these efforts. Make maximum use of these capabilities for the benefit of this great and brave nation, this dear country, and the sacred system of the Islamic Republic.

Dear brothers in the Navy, in these days of joint maneuvers, you must practice cooperation, coordination, and sincerity in relation to your comrade and brother unit. This is the expectation I have from all the dear brothers who are participating in this exercise in any way.

God willing, you will be successful, and with each passing day, your capabilities and hope for divine assistance and promised victory will increase, and the sacred spirit of our dear Imam will be pleased with you, and God willing, all of you will be included in the pure prayers of His Holiness the Master of the Age (may our souls be sacrificed for him). In conclusion, I send greetings and salutations to the sacred spirits of the martyrs of the Navy of the Army and the Guard and offer condolences and congratulations to their families.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings