Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei called on the armed forces to remain fully prepared to respond to any possible aggression by hostile governments.
Ayatollah Khamenei noted that the Iranian nation is facing a large-scale war waged by enemies because of its persistence on protecting Islam, its independence and high values.
"So the armed forces should be always prepared to perform their role, if necessary," he was quoted as saying by Leader.ir.
The Leader was addressing a graduation ceremony of cadets at Shahid Sattari Military Academy in Tehran on Wednesday.
Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the role played by the armed forces in the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War and said the imposed eight-year war was an international war.
"It was an aggression by world powers and their followers in and outside the region against our borders, identity, values, the Islamic system and the popular revolution," he said.
"It posed a challenging test for Iran's defense power. The Islamic Republic's Army demonstrated its capabilities and the armed forces performed brilliantly. Today, all in the world, whether friend or enemy, praise the greatness, wisdom, courage and power of the Iranian nation and Islamic system."
