Imam Khamenei: Friendly countries are proud of Iran's defense power, while enemies fear it

Emphasizing the importance of continuous innovation in defense advancements, Imam Khamenei called this year's Bahman 22 march a popular uprising and a great national movement under the enemy's media bombardment, and highly appreciating and expressing warm gratitude to the people, saying: "The people shouted their unity and demonstrated the identity, individuality, strength, and resilience of the Iranian people in the face of the enemy's repeated threats."

Leader of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, during a meeting with scientists, officials and specialists in the defense industry on Wednesday morning, noted that the issue of protecting the security of the people and the country is very important, saying: "Iran's defense power is known today, the friends of the revolution are proud of it, and the enemies are afraid of it, and this fact is important for the country."

Referring to the period when the world's bullies did not sell Iran the defense equipment that the country needed, even at prices several times higher, Ayatollah Khamenei said: "Now the same bullies are telling Iran not to sell military equipment." There is a huge gap between "we do not sell" and "do not sell," which has been filled thanks to the efforts of scientists and the trained minds of young specialists."

The esteemed leader, describing the significant progress in defense as extraordinary, especially considering the continued imposition of sanctions by the enemies, said: "The conditions of Iran's defense industry are such that no matter what spare parts are given to us, the youth will produce better ones within the country."

In another part of his speech, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, making several remarks about the need and requirements for continuous progress in the defense industry, said: "The progress of the defense industry has increased the level of our defense power in the world, but this does not mean stopping and being satisfied with the current situation."

Noting that in order to reach the military forefront, one must be guided by the commandment of the Quran, which states, "Prepare everything you can with your forces to confront the enemy," and considering this a necessity to protect the country from ill-wishers, the esteemed leader added: "Progress must continue in all military fields."

Imam Khamenei, conditioning real progress on innovation and the involvement of young, loyal, revolutionary, scholarly, capable and talented forces, said: "Faith gives a person strength and power and keeps him on the straight path, and being a revolutionary also means believing in the great political and social event that took place in the country thanks to the Islamic Revolution."

Prior to this meeting, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei visited the "Power Exhibition-1403" for an hour, which included the latest achievements and capabilities of scientists and specialists in the country's defense industry. This exhibition showcased advanced equipment and new technologies applied to them in the fields of air defense, ballistic and cruise missiles, smart munitions, space, drones and aircraft, naval ships, and energy.

After visiting the exhibition, Imam Khamenei, during a meeting with scientists, officials, and specialists in the defense industry, congratulated the 12th Shiite leader, Imam Mahdi, on the auspicious birthday, and called this day a global and national holiday, saying: "The good news of justice, the hope for the establishment of justice, the appearance of the Savior has been the eternal desire of humanity throughout history, and this desire will undoubtedly be fulfilled."

He considered Bahman 22 a great and historic holiday for the Iranian people and, congratulating them on this day, added: "There is no precedent for any revolution where, 46 years later, the people would take to the streets and celebrate the anniversary of their revolution."

Ayatollah Khamenei also reminded the enemy of the relentless propaganda bombardments and the cunningly waged soft war against the masters of the revolution, the "Iranian people" and the hero of Bahman 22, Imam Khomeini, and added: "Under such conditions, the people in all cities and villages took to the streets at the right time and place and expressed their words and positions."