Statements of the Supreme Leader at Noshahr Naval Base

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

We are grateful to God for these successive successes and express our heartfelt gratitude. First, I extend my congratulations to the graduates of this academic and military center in this term; also to the brothers who graduated from the Naval Sciences Center of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and to those who received their epaulettes today. God willing, may you all be successful.

A beautiful thing observed in this field is the combination of the army and the Guard. I must sincerely thank the officials who created this desirable and spiritually interesting combination and worked hard for it. Of course, the Navy of the Army and the Navy of the Guard each have separate responsibilities, and neither can replace the other. Both must exist; however, they should be alongside each other and in a sincere relationship. Today, thanks be to God, good signs of this are observed, and these signs should increase day by day. What I recommend to both forces and both organizations, the Army and the Guard, is that each should strive to prepare themselves for the missions that the revolution and their country have placed on their shoulders today. Contrary to the hostile and malicious propaganda, primarily by the fearful and insecure Zionists, who feel their existence is threatened in the vast Islamic ocean that becomes stormier every moment, and secondly by their global supporters, headed by the Great Satan, namely America; we have no intention of engaging with anyone, neither at sea nor on land, initially.

They propagate that Iran is seeking militarization or sometimes say Iran is destabilizing the region. Words that any wise and thoughtful person would mockingly smile at. The region has been destabilized by those who were supported for many years by these same Americans and their allies. The Americans and their allies have destabilized the region. We want the Persian Gulf region, the Middle East, and the entire world to be safe and secure, enjoying peace and friendship among nations. We have no interest in warmongering. Our interest lies in peace. They themselves know this. They know it internally, but in their propaganda, they reverse the truth. So we are advocates of peace; we are not thinking of engaging with this or that; but a living nation must be able to defend itself and its legitimate interests at any moment.

Today, one of the areas where this sacred, great, and logical defense finds its ground is the sea, and you - whether from the Guard or the Army - each must prepare all necessary readiness - scientific, practical, command and management readiness; equipment and support readiness and disciplinary readiness - for yourselves. Wherever you are, the expectation of the Iranian nation and my expectation - as your servant and others - is the same. I am interested in scientific and military centers, which are a combination of knowledge, which is a great human art, and military discipline, which is another great art. This is also one of those scientific and military centers.

However, a scientific and military center must be brilliant and pure in every aspect. This is the several times I have come to this center, and I wish to see this center better in every aspect than in previous times. Of course, reports show this, and evidence confirms it. You young people who are in this center - whether yourselves, your teachers, or your commanders - must know that this center is a pure domain and must be kept pure, both morally and practically and religiously. You who live in this province of struggle, the province of jihad, the province of martyrdom, the province of sincerity, and in this city, must be examples of piety and righteousness for the people of this city and the people of this province. Both the army and the Guard - both - are subject to these words.

I hope that your situation improves day by day and your progress becomes more brilliant and noticeable. I must also emphasize that you should strive to maintain the tools and equipment at the force level and make full and optimal use of them. Construction, innovation, repair, and maintenance are among your definite and important duties.

God willing, may you be successful. Once again, I ask God Almighty for success, help, guidance, and His grace and mercy for you. God willing, may you be included in the favors of the Guardian of the Age, may our souls be sacrificed for him, and may you act in a way that the prayers of that great person include you.

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