Iran Press/Iran: The Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, attended the graduation ceremony of naval cadets on Sunday, at the Imam Khomeini University of Naval Sciences in Noshahr, in northern Iran.
Before the graduation ceremony got underway, the Leader attended the graves of five unidentified martyrs, praying for the martyrs of the Islamic revolution and paying respect and homage to the sacrifices of the martyrs of eight years of holy defence.
Addressing the naval cadets and officers of the military academy, the Leader referred to the troublesome policies of the arrogant powers which has caused insecurity and instability in the region, saying: "The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Iranian nation, has proven to the world, that if a nation is not intimidated by the posturing of the bullying powers, and if a nation relies on its own capabilities, then it is possible to stand up to the superpowers and even to force them to retreat!"
Turning to the young men who graduated from the naval university and military academy today, the Leader said: "The presence of thousands of highly-skilled and faithful young men in Army universities and military academies, is highly inspiring, and makes one hopeful of the future. Your presence inspires hope. The heavy burden of the future of this nation rests on the shoulders of young people, and the young graduates of this military academy, carry that heavy burden and responsibility as well.
In further remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei described the Iranian nation as the flag-bearer of freedom and justice in the world today, saying the armed forces are defending such a nation and such a country -- a great honour which must be defended with all might.
Turning to insecurity and instability experienced in many different parts of the world, and in particular in the West Asia region, Ayatollah Khamenei stressed: "The arrogant powers, led by United States, see their interests in starting wars, and supporting brutal terrorists and militants, and it is a pity that some regional countries are helping the United States in this. The main objective of the Americans and the Zionists is to prevent the emergence of a powerful independent Islamic force in this region. They know very well that the message of Islam , to defend the oppressed, the poor, and the downtrodden, is very attractive. That is why they are fearful of a powerful Islamic entity in this region. They certainly don't want that."
Turning to Iraq and Syria, the Leader said: "America's plots and schemes have all been defeated in places such as Syria, Iraq and Lebanon. The Leader added: "This reminds us of God's promise in the Holy Quran: If you follow the Lord , and help the Lord, God will bestow victory upon you, and you will take firm steps".
As part of Sunday's graduation ceremonies, the Iranian Navy's top commander, rear admiral Habibollah Sayyari , was awarded the highest military honour in the land , the first class Fath (victory ) medal, by the commander-in-chief of Iran's armed forces, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. The rear admiral was awarded this highest military honour in recognition of his outstanding services to the Iranian navy, defence of Iran's maritime borders, protecting Iran's national interests, flying the flag of the Islamic Republic in the High Seas and international waters, and last but not least, modernisation and development of the navy and naval forces.
A military parade then got underway, with commander-in-chief of Iran's armed forces, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, inspecting the various units of the Iranian Navy and Army.
Read more:
First Iranian navy destroyer armed with a new anti-missile system
Iranian Navy Commander: defending sovereignty is our main duty
