TEHRAN – Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Sunday told military commanders that Iran’s armed forces must maintain maximum readiness to confront hostile efforts against the country. 
Addressing a group of military commanders here, the Leader described to the armed forces as Iran’s fortress and refuge against any aggressor. 
Ayatollah Khamenei noted that Iran’s progress has caused anger and frustration among its ill-wishers, even though there are “shortcomings in certain areas like the economy, which undoubtedly require efforts to address”.
“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 said.
“Faith, determination, courage, and trust in God must exist to the fullest extent in the armed forces, since throughout history, the armies that lack these qualities have been defeated,” he added. 
The Leader said the very existence of an Islamic and independent Islamic system is a factor provoking enmities against it. 
“What makes the enemy sensitive is not the name of the Islamic Republic, but 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.”
Ayatollah Khamenei cited the double standards of the global oppressors in permitting themselves to possess the most severe and catastrophic types of weapons while deeming defensive progress by others as impermissible. 
The Leader said the preservation and enhancement of software preparedness in society requires the efforts of various sectors, including the national broadcasting organization 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,” the Leader said.
Before the Leader’s speech, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Major General Muhammad Bagheri touched on the global awakening about Palestine and the historic resistance of the people of Gaza and Lebanon, hailing it as proud peaks in the battle against oppression. 
Gen. Bagheri listed the strengthening of Iran’s defense and deterrence capabilities, the production of advanced equipment and weaponry, the holding of numerous high-quality military exercises, the establishment of complete 
coordination among the armed forces, contributions to the country’s progress and development, the seamless integration of military actions with diplomatic efforts, and collaboration with the government among the initiatives of the armed forces. 
General Bagheri also thanked President Masoud Pezeshkian for his commitment to supporting the country’s defense sector. 
“With the support of the people, the armed forces are fully prepared and will ensure that they will leave Iran’s enemies yearning in vain for their nefarious goals,” he said.