The Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution: Maximum preparedness of Armed Forces must be maintained

In a meeting with a group of commanders and officials from Iran’s Armed Forces, Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Khamenei, described to the Armed Forces as the country’s fortress and refuge against any aggressor. During the meeting, which took place on April 13, 2025, on the occasion of the Iranian New Year, 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."

Ayatollah Khamenei 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.

He 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."

During the meeting, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution 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.

"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.

The Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution 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 of the Islamic Revolution 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.