TEHRAN (Tasnim) Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei called on the Iranian Armed Forces to boost their capabilities, denouncing the double standards of the bullies that are armed with lethal weaponry but ban others from developing defense power.

Ayatollah Khamenei, the commander-in-chief of the Iranian Armed Forces, had a meeting with a group of Iranian military commanders on the occasion of the Iranian New Year in Tehran on Sunday, April 13.

In remarks at the meeting, the Leader described the Armed Forces as the countrys fortress and refuge against any aggressor.

Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized the need for ongoing strengthening of maximum preparedness and both hardware and software vigilance to fulfill this national duty.

He noted that the country's progress has caused anger and frustration among Iran's ill-wishers, while acknowledging that "there are shortcomings in certain areas like the economy, which undoubtedly require efforts to address."

The Leader described the hardware preparedness of the Armed Forces as strengthening their armament capabilities, as well as enhancing their organizational, structural, and livelihood conditions. "In addition to hardware preparedness, software preparedness that is, faith in their goals and mission, and certainty in the justness of their path is extremely important, especially given the hostile efforts aimed at undermining it," he asserted.

Ayatollah Khamenei considered the very existence of an Islamic and independent Islamic system as a factor provoking enmities against it. "What makes the enemy sensitive is not the name of the Islamic Republic, but rather the resolve of a country to be Muslim, independent, and true to its own identity, and to not rely on others for its dignity, which causes the anger of its enemies."

The Leader also pointed to an example of the double standards of global oppressors in permitting themselves to possess the most severe and catastrophic types of weapons while deeming defensive progress by others as impermissible, khamenei.ir reported.

"Certainty,faith, determination, courage, and trust in God must exist to the fullest extent in the Armed Forces, for throughout history, ostentatious armies lacking these qualities have been defeated," he stated.

Ayatollah Khamenei considered the preservation and enhancement of software preparedness in society as requiring the efforts of various sectors, including the national broadcasting organization (IRIB) and propagational institutions.

"Fortunately, today the country is not only far ahead in terms of hardware readiness compared to the past, but it is also very advanced in terms of software. An example of this is the indescribable enthusiasm of hundreds and thousands of faithful and highly motivated young people eager to participate in fields that require struggle," he added.

The Leader also congratulated all members of the Armed Forces and their families on the Iranian New Year and expressed gratitude for the valuable role that spouses and families play in supporting the forces as they carry out their missions.

At the beginning of this meeting, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri referred to the events of the year 1403 ASH [2024-2025] in Iran and the region. He highlighted the global awakening surrounding Palestine and the historic resistance of the people of Gaza and Lebanon against the crimes of the Zionist regime as proud peaks in the battle against oppression. Additionally, he paid tribute to the memory of the martyred fighters and commanders of the Resistance.