Statements of the Supreme Leader at the Air Force Morning Ceremony

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

We thank God that the efforts of the brave officers of the Air Force gradually show their sweet fruits. This gathering of students and graduates, and this spiritual system and scientific, military, ethical, and religious advancements, each is a glad tiding for the Iranian nation. God's mercy upon those who, in the path of creating such a situation, spent years with effort and struggle and attained martyrdom. God's mercy upon Martyr Sattari, Martyr Babaei, Martyr Ardestani, and other dear martyrs who each had a significant share in creating this desirable situation, which is a source of joy for every observer. Gratitude for Martyr Sattari requires that this university be named after that martyr.

You dear students and graduates know this clearly and should know that this scientific effort in a military environment and for military objectives is an act of worship. If anyone looks at the current state of dear Iran and its bright future horizons, they will understand that every effort and action, every training of young groups, and every pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement in every section of the great apparatus of this country is an act of worship, a lasting work, and a good deed. Today, thanks be to God, throughout this great apparatus that manages the country—whether military or non-military sections—countless people are engaged in great works and good deeds. Some are busy with the construction of the country, some are engaged in training the growing generations, and some devote all their efforts to keeping alive the great slogans of the revolution, which today are the national slogans of this country. Everyone is engaged in a task, and this ancient country, this brave nation, these bright horizons, this history full of pride, all and all, with the efforts of today's faithful and active Muslims of this country, are coming to life and finding meaning in the direction of a healthy life in this country and are moving in all directions. We thank God for having destined such an honorable situation for this nation and this country.

Once, due to the domination of corrupt apparatuses and the influence of foreigners in all depths of this great country, all vital resources were wasted in some way. Material and human resources were destroyed, and spiritual, intellectual, and ideological resources were heading towards decay. In those days, those who claimed to have control over the whole world were satisfied with Iran. In those days, those who called nations their slaves praised and admired Iran under despotism. Iran of those days was a paradise for foreigners and external coveters. For those who did nothing but harm the Iranian nation, it was a safe haven. But for the Iranian nation, for the owners of this land, and for the children of this house, it was considered an insecure space, an unpleasant life, an environment from all sides despairing and deadly. The youth of this country did not feel proud. The student of this country, in those days, all his effort was to somehow reach outside these borders and get busy there. Those who wanted to strive for their country and nation were heartbroken.

Today, Iran is an independent Iran. Today, the Iranian nation does not bow under the imposed burden of any bully in the world. Today, the Iranian nation uses its material and spiritual resources for its country and its present and future. Today, the armed forces of Iran know for what and whom they are equipped. They know that the sacred and honorable burden of defending the nation, the country, and national sanctities is on their shoulders; they enjoy it and take pride in it. Today, the armed forces are not forced to see bullies and foreign elements among or above themselves. The same courses that our military students today—whether in this university, which, thanks be to God, has a high level, or in other military universities—are learning, they were previously forced to go outside these borders to learn, endure impositions, and accept humiliations to learn something or not. Those who consider themselves entitled to make decisions for nations and countries of the world consider the Iranian nation, the Iranian military, the Iranian element, and all non-self nations as second-class humans. Unfortunately, today they are the same towards countries that have accepted their impositions. Today, the world's bullies are dissatisfied with the Iranian nation, the Iranian government, and the Islamic Republic system, and they have the right to be dissatisfied.

Is it not a disgrace for the Iranian nation that wolves roar and shout in front of it?! Is it not a disgrace for the Iranian nation that the world's thieves and bullies raise weapons against it?! The unholy alliance of American rulers with the usurping Zionists of the Palestinian land against the Iranian nation is an honor for this nation. We take pride that the ugliest and most black-hearted political elements in the world are opposed to the Iranian nation and government. Let them be opposed! Anyone whom the world's bullies praise should feel ashamed. Anyone whom the world's black-hearted criticize should take pride. The black-hearted are upset with anyone who is against black-heartedness.

The Islamic Republic government and the Iranian nation take pride in not compromising with force and usurpation. They have not accepted and will not accept the usurping, Zionist, terrorist, racist regime for even one day. Anyone who supports bullies is black-hearted. The Iranian nation, over these seventeen years, has been able to prove that it is powerful, brave, and patient. It continues its path with calmness, tranquility, and self-reliance. Seventeen years ago, our nation did not have this army, this air force, this order, and this high level of knowledge in the armed forces, and this student and professor and such commanders and university officials, and this has not been easily achieved. Efforts and endeavors have been made. God willing, we will advance even further. The armed forces will get closer to their goals day by day, and they will gain more capabilities day by day. These capabilities are not only military capabilities. They are also scientific, industrial, and spiritual capabilities. Self-reliance is also there. Let the enemy try as much as it can. Our lady, Zainab al-Kubra (peace be upon her), addressed the blackest-hearted people of her time: "Plot your plots, strive your efforts, for by God, you will not erase our mention." Today, the Iranian nation and the officials of this country say the same words to the arrogant enemies and the babblers of the Islamic Republic. Those who, in the position of American officials or anywhere else in the world, speak nonsense against the Iranian nation and attribute their own ugliness to the Iranian nation and government, they themselves are terrorists and bullies. They are wicked and racist. They are incapable of solving the most basic social problems, namely the issue of race and black and white. Today, the Iranian nation and system say the same words to them: "Plot your plots. Strive your efforts. For by God, you will not erase our mention." Can you inflict the slightest harm on the Islamic Republic?! You will die. You will go. You will vanish like that other empire, and the flag of Islam will be raised higher day by day. The Iranian nation and anyone who holds onto Islam will become more alive day by day.

My dear ones! A significant part and a great pillar of this bright future are you, and the responsibility for it is on your shoulders. You are good, you are young, you are pure, you are enlightened. Appreciate this. Build yourself in this healthy and religious environment. Armed forces, the Revolutionary Guards, the army, the law enforcement forces, and all those who strive in military service to Islam and the Iranian nation! Wherever you are, appreciate this position. Thank God for this service. Keep your steps firm in the path of this service. God is with us, and God willing, the attentions of His Holiness the Master of the Age (may our souls be sacrificed for him) are directed towards us.

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