Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, in a meeting with officials and commanders of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army on Thursday, said the reason behind animosities against the Islamic Revolution is the Iranian nation’s resistance, straightforwardness and refusal to submit to the policies of the arrogant powers, emphasizing, “The [Iranian] Armed Forces should speed up their advances and boost their preparedness in order to create such a power that the enemy would not even dare dream of aggression [against Iran].”

Ayatollah Khamenei underlined the necessity of planning in all sectors for a “better and more advanced future for the Islamic Iran,” adding, “The future of the country is in the hands of youths whose value should be appreciated, and in order for future Iran to be able to appear more powerful, stronger and more eloquent in the region and the world, it is necessary to train the next generation to be more prepared, more determined, more knowledgeable and more courageous.”

The Leader then touched upon the country’s chronic and historical shortcomings caused by the rule of dependent elements, especially during the reign of the Pahlavi regime, saying, “Today, advances made by the [Iranian] military forces in different sectors are very valuable, but in view of the shortcomings, the pace of [the country’s] movement [toward progress] must be increased and create such a power that the enemies would not even dare dream of encroaching upon the borders of this country.”

The Leader described the resistance and steadfastness of the Iranian nation during the eight-year period of the Sacred Defense as an important experience which is there for the world to see, noting, “The Islamic Republic Establishment is an independent system and has, from the outset of the [Islamic] Revolution, pursued its own policies with clarity and is not afraid of the uproar of any power and of opposing its policies.”

Ayatollah Khamenei then explained about serious enmities against the Iranian nation’s independent and awe-inspiring movement, saying, “The enemy seeks to make the Islamic Establishment surrender, and by retreating in its [the enemy’s] face, hostilities will not go away.”

 “The emergence of an independent nation, which is opposed to bullies and their affiliates, cannot be tolerated by the hegemonic system, [and] that’s why they show enmity toward this nation, and it would be erroneous to think that ‘if we don’t say that certain thing or don’t take certain steps and show leniency toward the enemy, hostilities will decrease’,” the Leader added.

Ayatollah Khamenei also explained about the support of nations as well as some non-dependent governments’ for Iran’s independent movement, saying, “Nations are delighted to see the Iranian nation’s progress and its outright defense of its interests in the face of [hegemonic] powers, and during overseas trips of the Islamic Republic’s officials, wherever governments have allowed people to express their interest [in Iran], they [the people] have shown great enthusiasm.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei stressed the importance of research and research achievements of the Armed Forces, saying, “There exist very good potentialities in the country’s universities and research centers, [due to] which scientific contacts of the Armed Forces must be strengthened by them.”

The Leader also emphasized the importance of stepping into unknown military domains and encouraging new innovations before turning to military drills and saying, “The military exercises must be designed in a way that would be closely similar to conditions of war and realities in the battlefield, and all the potential and capabilities of the enemy must be foreseen and be prepared for.”

At the beginning of this meeting, Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari presented a report on the missions and activities of the Iranian Navy in the fields of manufacturing equipment, intelligence gathering, operations, scientific and technological development, information technology, security of communication lines, and maritime development of the country.