Statements of the Supreme Leader at the Officer University Graduation Ceremony

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

I extend my congratulations to the dear graduates, the newly commissioned officers, the professors, the officials, and all those who have played a role in the order, discipline, and success of this university. It is a sweet and hopeful day. We hope that with each passing day, the Officer University of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran becomes stronger and more advanced, and moves with great strides towards its most desirable state, fulfilling the great responsibility it bears in the best manner.

Thanks be to God that in the vast and flourishing divine field of Islamic Iran, in every corner, by the blessing of the Quran and Islamic teachings, robust saplings are growing and thriving. The blessing of a divine, Islamic, human, and popular system is that talents emerge and flourish; people traverse unknown and uncharted territories of human development, and society gradually progresses towards perfection. Just as a fertile land, with the rain of divine mercy and the cultivation of a skilled gardener, blossoms and creates a rainbow of fruits and flowers, so too does a free and independent country, with Quranic and Islamic education and the rain of the luminous teachings and laws of Islam, find this growth and flourishing.

What can the enemy do in the face of this situation?! What can the enemies of Iran, the enemies of Islam, and the enemies of the Islamic Republic do in the face of this unchangeable divine tradition?! What military war, what propaganda war, what political war, and what economic blockade can prevent a nation that has found its path from progress, movement, and development?! It is enough for us to believe in our path from the depths of our hearts and souls. And the Iranian nation has shown that they believe. The hardships of the imposed war and the various difficulties of these seventeen years have demonstrated the belief of the Iranian nation to the whole world. The dear youth of this land should prepare themselves for a future far more dignified and proud than today. You too should be ready to perform your great and critical duties in such an Iran and such an environment and society. Prepare yourselves for that day.

For this reason, the Quran clearly and decisively states: 'Indeed, the plot of Satan is weak.' (Quran 4:76) The enmity of the devils and those with satanic traits against the will of humans—a will accompanied by awareness, intelligence, and planning—has always been and will always be weak. We thank God for the awakening of the Iranian nation, for the freedom of Iran, and for the independence of this great, vast, and prosperous country filled with divine blessings.

My dear ones! The Officer University is one of the most sensitive centers. In this university, officers who are faithful, competent, devout, honorable, and brave must be trained and prepared to manage the army of the Islamic Republic. Everything in this university must be planned with this vision, intention, and goal. Those who teach at this university or manage affairs in any section should take pride in their position. Serving in a practical, military, and scientific center, with a great goal and with pure and eager youth, is truly an honor. In this section, the honor of service is superior and more valuable than any other work. The courses in this university must be planned in such a way that they are entirely necessary and beneficial for the future of the army. Working in the armed forces is of great value; although in the Islamic Republic, all work is valuable. The degrees of value also vary. Where the issue relates to the defense of the existence, independence, existence of the country and nation, and territorial integrity, and where the matter involves sacrifice and selflessness, these values are multiplied. Any work that is more dangerous than other lessons and tasks is more valuable. Therefore, the Commander of the Faithful, Ali (peace be upon him), speaks with proud expressions to Malik Ashtar in his will to the soldiers and armed forces, calling them 'the fortresses of the people.' (Nahj al-Balagha, Letter 53) The fortress must be strong, invulnerable, and impenetrable.

Today, by the grace of the Lord, the army and the Revolutionary Guards, side by side, are engaged in their great and honorable duties. The law enforcement forces also have their critical duties ahead of them within their scope of work. In addition to these, within the people, the millions-strong Basij, composed of faithful individuals, is always present on the scene. In an arena where age does not matter, from teenagers and young children to elderly men, all are in the field. In such an arena, effort is of great value. I recommend that you students and officials view this work as one of the most valuable tasks and pursue it with this perspective and understanding. Study and learn this lesson with this goal and correct understanding of the truth, and those who manage this organization should manage it with this perspective and understanding.

Fortunately, the Officer University of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran has made significant progress in terms of spirituality, curriculum, and discipline. However, my dear ones! Know that we are not satisfied with this level. Although it is good, what is better is the goal. More effort must be made, and you must strive. The discipline and order in this organization must be such that it reflects a deep spiritual and moral motivation. It should be an order that can show every officer as a symbol of order in their work environment and command and make others orderly. Your behavior in the work environment will be a lesson for others in the future. Just as today, for civilians who look at this order, it is exciting, beautiful, and delightful, in terms of spirituality, adherence to moral and Islamic manners, and high-mindedness, this characteristic is also expected in the students and officials of this university.

I hope God grants you success. May the efforts of those who have worked hard be accepted by the Lord, and may our dear martyrs, who laid the foundation of this worthy structure or strove for its elevation and worked for the country, the revolution, and this great nation, be encompassed by divine grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings