The Leader of the Islamic Revolution met at noon today with a group of commanders and officials from the Armed Forces to commemorate the New Year. He said that the Armed Forces are the shield of the nation and the people's protection in the face of any aggressor. He emphasised that maximum readiness and vigilance in hardware and software capacities must be continuously strengthened to fulfil this national responsibility. He said, "The country's advancements have frustrated and angered the enemies of Iran. Of course, there are shortcomings in some areas, such as economic issues, which, undoubtedly, must be addressed through determined efforts."

In the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei described the Armed Forces' hardware readiness as encompassing the strengthening of military capabilities and improving its organisational structure, systems, and living conditions. He added, "Along with hardware readiness, software readiness, which means faith in one's mission and purpose, and certainty in the righteousness of the path, is equally crucial, and hostile efforts are actively underway to undermine this inner conviction."

Ayatollah Khamenei said that the Islamic and independent nature of the Islamic Republic is what provokes hostility toward it, adding, "What truly unsettles the enemy is not the name 'Islamic Republic,' rather it is the determination of a nation to remain Muslim, independent, and true to its identity, and refusing to make  its dignity dependent on others; this is what enrages them."

The Leader of the Revolution gave an example of the double standards of the global bullies, whereby they consider it permissible for themselves to possess the most destructive and catastrophic forms of weaponry, yet deem it forbidden for other countries to develop them for defence. He said, "Certainty, faith, determination, courage, and trust in God must exist to the highest degree within the Armed Forces. Throughout history, even the most impressive armies that lacked these qualities have ultimately been defeated."

He stated that preserving and enhancing the nation's internal or "software" readiness requires the efforts of various sectors, including the National Broadcasting Service and other media and cultural institutions. He added, "Fortunately, compared to the past, today the country is not only further ahead in hardware preparedness, but also remarkably advanced in software readiness. A clear example of the latter is the indescribable enthusiasm of hundreds and thousands of faithful and motivated young people eager to serve in fields that require struggle and sacrifice."

Ayatollah Khamenei identified the ever-growing progress of Iran as the cause of the enemies' anger and their media uproar. He said, "They present as news and fact things which are nothing more than their own wishful thinking. These forms of suggestion and propaganda must be countered with careful planning and strategic response."

He emphasised that the Islamic Republic enjoys dynamic momentum and significant progress. He added, "Of course, there are tangible economic difficulties that must be addressed. However, we should not conflate them with the challenges and thus disregard the astonishing advances that have even drawn admiration from adversaries."

The Leader of the Revolution also extended New Year's greetings to all armed forces members and their families, expressing appreciation for the invaluable role of spouses and families in supporting the troops in fulfilling their missions.

At the beginning of the meeting, Major General Bagheri, Chief of the Armed Forces General Staff, reflected on the events of the year 1403 (2024-2025) in Iran and the region. He highlighted the global awakening to the Palestinian issue and praised the historic resistance of the people of Gaza and Lebanon against the crimes of the Zionist regime. He called these struggles "pinnacles of honour in the fight against oppression" and honoured the memory of the martyred commanders and fighters of the Resistance.

General Bagheri listed the strengthening of defensive and deterrent capabilities, the production of advanced equipment and weaponry, organising numerous high-quality military exercises, full coordination among all branches of the Armed Forces, contributing to national development and reconstruction, establishing effective synergy between military operations and diplomacy, and cooperating with the government in realising the year's national slogan as key priorities and initiatives of the Armed Forces. He also thanked the esteemed President for his dedication to supporting the country's defence sector, saying, "With the backing of the people, the Armed Forces remain in a state of full readiness and will leave the enemies of Iran longing in vain for the fulfilment of their sinister ambitions."