WANA (Apr 13) – In a meeting held earlier today with commanders and senior officials of Iran’s Armed Forces on the occasion of the new Iranian year, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, described the Armed Forces as the “shield of the country and a refuge for the nation” in the face of any aggressor.

 

He emphasized the need for continued enhancement of maximum readiness, both in terms of hardware and software capabilities, to fulfill what he called a national responsibility.

 

“The country’s advancements have angered and frustrated the enemies of Iran,” the Leader stated, acknowledging, however, that certain sectors—particularly the economy—still suffer from weaknesses that must be addressed through diligent effort.

 

Ayatollah Khamenei highlighted that hardware preparedness refers to the enhancement of military capabilities and organizational, structural, and welfare improvements within the armed forces.

 

Yet, he added that software preparedness—meaning faith in one’s mission and conviction in the righteousness of the path—is equally crucial, and a target of hostile efforts aimed at undermining it.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei meeting with commanders and senior officials of Iran’s Armed Forces on the occasion of the new Iranian year on April 13, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency

He stated that it is not merely the name “Islamic Republic” that provokes hostility, but rather the country’s determination to remain Muslim, independent, and dignified without relying on foreign powers. “What makes the enemies furious is the will of a nation to uphold its identity and refuse to surrender its sovereignty,” he said.

 

Citing a glaring example of double standards among global powers, Ayatollah Khamenei criticized how those powers arm themselves with the most destructive weapons while condemning others’ defensive advancements.

 

“Certainty, faith, determination, courage, and trust in God must be present in full measure within the Armed Forces,” he asserted. “Throughout history, grand armies lacking these qualities have ultimately failed.”

 

He also stressed the need to enhance the nation’s software readiness through coordinated efforts from various sectors, including national media and cultural institutions.

 

“Fortunately, today Iran is not only far more advanced in terms of military capabilities than in the past, but also significantly ahead in spiritual and ideological readiness,” he said, citing the “incredible enthusiasm” of thousands of committed, motivated young Iranians who volunteer for difficult and dangerous missions.

 

Referring to the intensified media campaigns by adversaries, Ayatollah Khamenei said the growing strength of the Islamic Republic is the real reason behind their outrage. “They present their wishful thinking as fact,” he warned, urging Iranian officials to devise plans to counteract and neutralize such propaganda efforts.

 

He reaffirmed that the Islamic Republic is steadily progressing and active. “Yes, there are real economic challenges that must be resolved,” he admitted, “but we should not allow those problems to obscure the remarkable progress the country has made—progress that even our enemies are compelled to acknowledge.”

 

At the beginning of the meeting, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, reviewed key developments in Iran and the region during the past year. He praised the global awakening regarding the Palestinian issue and the historic resistance of the people of Gaza and Lebanon against Zionist atrocities, calling them “towering peaks in the struggle against oppression.”

 

General Bagheri outlined the armed forces’ major initiatives, including strengthening defense and deterrence capabilities, advancing weapons production, conducting high-quality military exercises, ensuring full coordination across all branches, contributing to national development, and harmonizing military efforts with diplomacy. He also thanked the President for his continued support of the defense sector.

 

“Our Armed Forces, backed by the people, are at peak readiness,” Bagheri said. “They will leave the enemies of Iran with nothing but frustration in their pursuit of malicious goals.”

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei meeting with commanders and senior officials of Iran’s Armed Forces on the occasion of the new Iranian year on April 13, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency