Statements of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution at the Joint Graduation Ceremony of the Officer Universities of the Army

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

I sincerely congratulate both the dear graduates who have completed the officer universities' course and the dear young individuals who today received their epaulettes and officially joined the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran; the newly blossomed flowers of this colorful garden and the freshly ripened fruits of this blessed orchard.

You dear young people have chosen the best: knowledge, purity, chastity, and active presence in the glorious field of defending the country and the nation. In Nahj al-Balagha (Peak of Eloquence), there is a phrase about the armed forces that is repeated in speeches and writings, and this phrase is very worthy of your contemplation: "The soldiers, by God's permission, are the fortresses of the people"; this is the most important characteristic of the armed forces.

A nation needs security and peace of mind from the attacks of enemies to conquer the peaks of material and spiritual perfection and the heights of dignity and honor. Without a sense of security and without the presence of tranquility and assurance, in no country can science progress, nor can the moral and spiritual authorities of nations reach their desired point. The world and the hereafter can be secured with security. What provides security? In a world where there are power-seeking motives, where there are devilish individuals, where world conquerors are lurking in every corner, how can nations obtain and maintain their security? This is the share of the armed forces.

In every country, there are armed forces that, with their authority, vigilance, and readiness, and with the deep covenant they make with the nation in their hearts and tongues, and by committing themselves before God and their conscience, create those strong fortifications. This is not specific to today; throughout history, there have been centers of insecurity in the world, and nations that have been able to preserve themselves have had this vigilance.

Of course, the armed forces cannot enter this arena alone; the nation must be vigilant, and every individual in the nation must feel this sense of responsibility for national security in all their being. The armed forces are the capable and powerful arms of such a nation.

Today, with God's grace, our nation possesses such a feeling, and I see our capable and proud armed forces shaped in accordance with this glorious national sentiment. You have a long and valuable experience of commanders behind you who have proven that they stand firm until the last drop of their blood. It is easy to say these words; however, in the field of action, strong men, men of determination, men who confirm their words with action, are needed to realize these statements and slogans in their deeds. You have not lacked such individuals in your proud army, in your esteemed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and in your vast and numerous Basij forces; you are the followers of their glorious and sincere faces.

Dear young people! My dear ones! Take advantage of this opportunity of youth; build yourselves with faith, with strong determination, while maintaining chastity and piety, and as Imam Ali (peace be upon him) has said, make yourselves the strong and proud fortifications of this nation. All human beings live, but not all lives are a source of worldly pride; some lives bring shame to themselves and their nation. However, the lives of faithful and sincere individuals are a source of pride for themselves, for their families, for their nation, and for their history. Strive to be among such individuals; and you can.

May God's mercy be upon martyr Setari, for whom this university is named, and who founded it. Fortunately, today our universities of ground, air, and naval forces, as well as our intelligence forces, are working with good capacities; these capacities must be increased. The depth of lessons, the effectiveness of lessons, the efforts of professors and students must be even greater than they currently are. The Iranian talent and the national capabilities of Iranians necessitate that innovations in our armed forces, including in the Army of the Islamic Republic and its three branches, increase day by day. Research, innovation, experience, and complete discipline are things that must be at the top of your list of duties. The spirit of all this is your faith and piety. Once, they convinced our nation and the armed forces that military attire is incompatible with religiosity. Our valiant soldiers proved otherwise; they showed that the educational periods of the army and the working periods and various centers of the army are places for the growth of faith and religious insight. Today, our young soldiers are among the best of our youth in faith, piety, and chastity. The sacrifices made by these dear ones, like all the proud members of the armed forces, have inscribed letters on the lofty forehead of this country and this nation forever. Consider these as part of your essential programs. Continuously improve the quality of lessons and the effectiveness of training, and God willing, prepare yourselves for taking on significant responsibilities in the Army of the Islamic Republic and in the public activities of the country.

I hope that the Lord of the Universe grants you success and that the sacred heart of Imam Mahdi (may our souls be sacrificed for him) and the pure spirit of the martyrs are pleased with you.

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