1 00:00:07,880 --> 00:00:10,260 In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful 2 00:00:13,300 --> 00:00:18,280 I congratulate you, dear youths. 3 00:00:21,860 --> 00:00:30,480 The reward for your successful studies at the Islamic Republic of Iran Army’s academies, 4 00:00:32,220 --> 00:00:41,400 which is the honorable rank of being an officer in the army of Imam Zaman [the 12th Shia Imam] (PBUH), 5 00:00:44,100 --> 00:00:51,800 and also those dear youths who received epaulettes and entered this path, 6 00:00:52,980 --> 00:00:55,520 would be, God willing, blessed for all of you. 7 00:00:58,120 --> 00:01:08,380 The young countenance of our officers today in the Army and the IRGC (the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps) and all [other sections] of the armed forces 8 00:01:11,320 --> 00:01:22,060 is harbinger of the young spirit and promising future of the Islamic Republic Establishment. 9 00:01:28,320 --> 00:01:34,760 [These days] are the days of Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Ghadir, 10 00:01:36,880 --> 00:01:54,570 but the ignorant [powers] of our time have turned our Eid (festive occasion) into mourning through bloody incidents of Mina. 11 00:01:57,510 --> 00:02:13,200 I hope, the Almighty God would accept from the Iranian nation and [all other] Muslim nations these acts of selflessness, [and] these sacrifices 12 00:02:14,930 --> 00:02:22,000 and [I also hope that] the future horizon of the Islamic Ummah would, God willing, become brighter day by day. 13 00:02:25,460 --> 00:02:33,860 About you, dear youths, who have entered the arena of action 14 00:02:35,110 --> 00:02:43,020 in the army of the Islamic Republic of Iran, there are many things to say 15 00:02:43,280 --> 00:03:00,930 In short, among prominent features of an armed force is [having] faith and bravery and knowledge. 16 00:03:02,310 --> 00:03:13,680 These three elements are among the most important elements in shaping the identity of an armed force. 17 00:03:16,840 --> 00:03:31,150 If there is no bravery, the armed force will not fulfill its duty in time of danger; that is, it will not be able [to fulfill its duty]. 18 00:03:34,260 --> 00:03:46,220 If there is no faith, the armed force will become inclined toward killing the weak. 19 00:03:47,460 --> 00:04:01,910 You see that new military hardware whose user takes no risk; 20 00:04:03,150 --> 00:04:12,400 [they] simply get on the plane, come and bombard the defenseless people of Yemen, 21 00:04:15,330 --> 00:04:28,130 the market, the mosque, the wedding ceremony, the mourning ceremony, [and even] a business place. 22 00:04:29,950 --> 00:04:37,330 I mean, when there is no spirit of faith, when God is not taken into account, 23 00:04:38,930 --> 00:04:51,950 then it would make no difference on whom they drop their bloody and lethal tool, 24 00:04:52,310 --> 00:04:59,860 [and] fight whom with the use of this tool. 25 00:05:01,550 --> 00:05:10,570 In the face of danger, where the essence of a human being and the identity of a human being must show itself, they are absent, 26 00:05:12,530 --> 00:05:22,750 but in the face of the oppressed, the defenseless [people], [and] unarmed [people], they are brave. 27 00:05:24,400 --> 00:05:32,660 In that place, where they must show their power, they are absent, 28 00:05:33,020 --> 00:05:42,080 but where the opposite side is a defenseless human being, they boast of bravery 29 00:05:42,350 --> 00:05:46,660 [of course] with [their] plane and missile and other lethal tools! 30 00:05:49,730 --> 00:06:03,370 [The fact] that we are opposed to [the use of] such generally lethal war tools as the atomic weapon, [and] the chemical weapon, 31 00:06:04,170 --> 00:06:10,260 is for this reason; [because] they cannot differentiate [among various targets]. 32 00:06:12,220 --> 00:06:22,350 It is known that Amir al-Mo’menin [Imam Ali] (PBUH) even considered the future [fate] of the one opposite to him 33 00:06:22,710 --> 00:06:29,860 [and] then landed his sword; [he did it] with calculation and reckoning [of their future fate]. 34 00:06:31,330 --> 00:06:36,040 When there is no faith, [the war will be] that way, [and] when there is no bravery, [it will be] that way; 35 00:06:36,750 --> 00:06:49,640 when there is no knowledge, the tools at disposal [of an armed force] will be blunt in comparison with the tools of the evil ones; these [elements] are [therefore] all necessary. 36 00:06:51,060 --> 00:06:57,110 You are young, are the apple of our eyes, are our dear ones, 37 00:06:57,240 --> 00:07:00,840 [and] to you belongs the future [and] to you [also] belongs this country; 38 00:07:02,840 --> 00:07:08,710 strengthen these main elements within you as much as you can; 39 00:07:09,770 --> 00:07:17,860 strengthen your faith, your valor, your research initiative, 40 00:07:18,310 --> 00:07:27,060 [as well as] your studiousness and search for knowledge. 41 00:07:28,400 --> 00:07:31,640 This Army also belongs to you; 42 00:07:32,530 --> 00:07:41,110 a while from now, you will be at helm of this huge complex; everyone [of you will be serving] in a [specific] section [of the Armed Forces], [and] in a [specific] point [of the country]. 43 00:07:43,240 --> 00:07:51,730 The report of the esteemed commander of this academy, who was also field commander today, was a good report. 44 00:07:53,110 --> 00:08:02,000 I also have reports [that are given to me] from other sources; [and all those reports show that] six Army academies have fortunately taken good steps, 45 00:08:03,460 --> 00:08:14,880 [and] have carried out successful activities that make one happy, but you must by no means be convinced [by what you have done so far]; 46 00:08:15,240 --> 00:08:21,950 with a searching eye - my [main] addressees are esteemed officials of the Army - 47 00:08:23,060 --> 00:08:30,800 [and] with an accurate and meticulous eye find flaws, problems, [and] shortcomings 48 00:08:32,000 --> 00:08:40,130 and uplift these academies to the desirable level [and] to the highest level 49 00:08:40,970 --> 00:08:49,860 and [with regard to] dear youths who study in these academies and prepare themselves for the future, 50 00:08:50,570 --> 00:08:59,950 equip them with faith, with spirituality, with knowledge, [and] with high spirits as much as you can. 51 00:09:02,310 --> 00:09:13,240 Today, the Establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran needs both tools of hard war and tools of soft war. 52 00:09:15,370 --> 00:09:27,510 A world subdued to the power of the evils, a world at whose top 53 00:09:28,660 --> 00:09:37,730 are people for whom material [issues], [all kinds of] lusts, money, [and] material facilities are the main concern, 54 00:09:38,530 --> 00:09:46,130 is a dangerous world for God-seeking human beings; [therefore, such people] must keep themselves ready, [and] must keep themselves equipped. 55 00:09:48,530 --> 00:09:57,060 If the Islamic Republic of Iran and the brave and revolutionary nation of Iran had allowed 56 00:09:57,770 --> 00:10:08,570 the global usurping powers to assimilate them into themselves and into their systems; 57 00:10:09,950 --> 00:10:17,770 that is, if they were supposed not to show their main core, their identity, [and] their essence 58 00:10:18,080 --> 00:10:21,860 and do not attach any importance to it, they would not have been exposed to [all kinds of] enmity. 59 00:10:25,110 --> 00:10:29,640 An oppressor and bullying power needs followers; 60 00:10:30,400 --> 00:10:37,060 if somebody does not obey it, it would be the beginning of enmity; [therefore] we must be ready. 61 00:10:38,970 --> 00:10:42,880 Preparedness of you the armed forces - both [in] the Army and the IRGC 62 00:10:43,370 --> 00:10:48,800 and the Basij [force] and other sections of the Armed Forces 63 00:10:49,860 --> 00:10:56,220 - does not simply mean that [you must] overcome the enemy in war, 64 00:10:57,770 --> 00:11:08,440 but another meaning of it is to immunize the country against the ill wish of the enemies. 65 00:11:08,930 --> 00:11:14,000 When you are ready, when you are equipped, 66 00:11:16,350 --> 00:11:22,310 [and] when you are armed with faith, armed with science, [and] ready for sacrifice, 67 00:11:22,310 --> 00:11:30,800 the enemy will not dare take [even] a [single] step toward you out of ill will; 68 00:11:32,040 --> 00:11:37,280 yes, they keep threatening, [and] they say things orally, 69 00:11:38,570 --> 00:11:48,620 but the Iranian nation has shown in the period of about four decades [since the victory] of the [Islamic] Revolution 70 00:11:50,040 --> 00:11:57,240 that it has strength, is powerful, is strong, has identity, 71 00:11:57,420 --> 00:12:03,510 has essence [and therefore,] it stands [in the face of enemies]; 72 00:12:05,330 --> 00:12:10,260 one example [to the point] was the eight-year Sacred Defense. 73 00:12:10,800 --> 00:12:20,480 You, my dear youths, must certainly hear the issues of the Sacred Defense from veterans and elders; 74 00:12:20,970 --> 00:12:28,620 go and visit [war] zones; [and] pay attention to operational plans, [as well as] brave and sacrificial things [that were done during the Sacred Defense] 75 00:12:28,970 --> 00:12:36,310 with due care from a military viewpoint; 76 00:12:37,060 --> 00:12:48,170 [and] see what happened [then]? The Iranian nation earned itself an eternal prestige during the Sacred Defense; 77 00:12:49,330 --> 00:12:54,530 so, the power of the Armed Forces is also deterrent. 78 00:12:55,510 --> 00:13:05,680 Today, in the world, big capitalists, big company owners, world devouring powers, [and] those craving power 79 00:13:06,440 --> 00:13:18,970 are imposing their views on the world politics due to being equipped with science and propaganda machines, and are ruling [the world]; 80 00:13:19,950 --> 00:13:24,570 [therefore,] any independent nation that wants to stand [on its own feet] would be exposed to their enmity. 81 00:13:25,950 --> 00:13:30,000 Some countries stand [against them], others stand a bit; 82 00:13:31,060 --> 00:13:34,880 some [countries] endure [their pressures], [while] others, after all, do not endure; 83 00:13:37,640 --> 00:13:43,420 the Islamic Iran has shown that it endures, is aware, is insightful, 84 00:13:44,800 --> 00:13:50,000 [and] respects its identity while [at the same time] respecting the humanity as well. 85 00:13:51,860 --> 00:13:56,530 Standing up to the arrogance is [tantamount to] respect for humanity; 86 00:13:57,420 --> 00:14:01,020 [and] it is [show of] respect for all nations and all human beings. 87 00:14:04,220 --> 00:14:11,640 Of course, [the enemies] show their [bare] teeth, but the smashing fist of the faithful people 88 00:14:12,310 --> 00:14:15,600 can make them retreat; 89 00:14:16,710 --> 00:14:20,130 it has always been like this and will continue to be like this in the future. 90 00:14:21,860 --> 00:14:26,620 As for the recent incidents at Mina, I have to say a word. 91 00:14:28,040 --> 00:14:33,330 [This incident] was a mourning [occasion and a] calamity for us for two reasons: 92 00:14:34,220 --> 00:14:47,770 [one] reason was [because] hundreds of our dear Hajj pilgrims lost their lives unjustly [and] some of them even [died] thirsty. 93 00:14:50,040 --> 00:14:58,350 Their families were happy that their dear ones would come back from Hajj [pilgrimage] 94 00:14:58,750 --> 00:15:05,330 and had opened their arms for them, [but] now, they must face their dead bodies; this is a great calamity. 95 00:15:06,040 --> 00:15:13,150 The [total] number of our dead [pilgrims] is not known yet, [and] it may add up to hundreds of people. 96 00:15:14,930 --> 00:15:23,150 This is the first reason that [our] nation is woe-stricken in this issue in the true sense of the word. 97 00:15:23,460 --> 00:15:25,680 [The] second [reason is] for the Islamic world; 98 00:15:27,370 --> 00:15:33,680 as I have been informed, there have been more than 5,000 [people] killed 99 00:15:35,240 --> 00:15:38,000 from the Islamic world and from different countries. 100 00:15:38,000 --> 00:15:41,420 Hajj is a place of security; 101 00:15:41,640 --> 00:15:45,640 [as the Quran says:] “[Remember] when We made the House a place of assembly for men and a place of security.” 102 00:15:46,220 --> 00:15:58,130 The Quran says, “We made the House a place of assembly” and a place of reference for the Islamic Ummah 103 00:15:58,530 --> 00:16:04,400 and “a place of security.” [Therefore,] it must be secure; [but] where is security? 104 00:16:05,510 --> 00:16:16,840 Is this security that during the Hajj rituals, the lives of human beings are encroached upon? 105 00:16:18,440 --> 00:16:23,330 Investigation must be carried out [into this incident]; I do not have any premature judgment about the reasons of this incident 106 00:16:23,860 --> 00:16:33,860 [but] there must certainly be people from the Islamic world - including from our country - to go [and] investigate up-close, 107 00:16:34,040 --> 00:16:40,220 [and] make it clear what has been the reason of the incident; there is no argument about this. 108 00:16:40,400 --> 00:16:48,350 The argument is about duties that every government, every nation, 109 00:16:48,620 --> 00:16:57,370 every physician, every nurse, [and] every healthy [and] spiritual [and] kind human being must shoulder in the face of a group of injured [people]; 110 00:16:57,730 --> 00:17:11,330 these [duties] have not been observed. In hospital, in cold [storage] container, [and] in the desert, the condition of patient has not been taken into account, 111 00:17:11,600 --> 00:17:17,510 the condition of a distressed human being has not been taken into account, [and] the condition of thirsty [people] has not been taken into account. 112 00:17:20,130 --> 00:17:26,710 Today, they are problems for the transfer of their purified bodies back to the country; 113 00:17:28,750 --> 00:17:34,570 officials of our country are following up [on this issue]; [they] have been active, have been working, [and] are making [any possible] effort; 114 00:17:34,840 --> 00:17:38,000 such works and activities must continue, 115 00:17:39,200 --> 00:17:47,860 but officials of the country of Saudi Arabia are not fulfiling their duties, 116 00:17:48,130 --> 00:17:54,350 but in some cases, are doing exactly the opposite of their duties; [and] are doing mischief. 117 00:17:57,020 --> 00:18:09,460 If our country and our nation wants to show reaction against trouble making and mischievous elements, 118 00:18:10,000 --> 00:18:18,800 their conditions will not be good; we have so far shown self-restraint. 119 00:18:19,860 --> 00:18:23,110 In many issues we have shown self-restraint; 120 00:18:24,440 --> 00:18:33,730 [otherwise] the Islamic Iran's hand is more open than many others, [and] our capabilities, [and] our potential are more than many; 121 00:18:35,200 --> 00:18:42,310 they know that if they wanted to challenge the Establishment of the Islamic Republic, they would not cope in any arena. 122 00:18:43,730 --> 00:18:52,970 We just observed the Islamic courtesy, [and] showed respect for brotherhood among the Islamic Ummah; 123 00:18:53,150 --> 00:18:54,930 [otherwise] we are able to show reaction. 124 00:18:55,420 --> 00:19:02,440 If we decided to show reaction, our reactions would be also tough [and] would be also harsh. 125 00:19:03,110 --> 00:19:10,880 They have [already] tried the Iranian nation; in the issue of the eight-year war [against Iraq’s aggression], 126 00:19:11,950 --> 00:19:23,730 all of these - these surrounding [countries] - and all the powers of the East and the West supported and defended an evil [and] corrupt element 127 00:19:23,910 --> 00:19:27,730 and they were all slapped [in the face]; 128 00:19:28,130 --> 00:19:36,530 that corrupt element was also slapped [in the face] and following him all those who had supported [him] were slapped [in the face]; 129 00:19:36,710 --> 00:19:40,170 [so, they] have known Iran; [and even] if they have not, they [must] know it [now]. 130 00:19:42,660 --> 00:19:51,770 Today, tens of thousands of our dear ones are still in Mecca and in Medina, [and] are in Hajj rituals; 131 00:19:52,930 --> 00:19:57,060 a slight disrespect to them; will elicit [our] reaction; 132 00:19:59,020 --> 00:20:07,200 [Saudis must know that] not fulfilling their duties toward the purified bodies of our dear ones who lost their lives in Hajj, 133 00:20:07,200 --> 00:20:12,530 will elicit reaction; [they must] take care to fulfill their duties. 134 00:20:14,350 --> 00:20:19,060 Of course, this will not be the end [of this case], [and these] issues must be followed up on. 135 00:20:20,440 --> 00:20:27,820 The Islamic Republic is not for oppression, nor it accepts oppression [from anybody]; 136 00:20:28,970 --> 00:20:33,280 we do not oppress anybody [and] do not accept oppression from anybody. 137 00:20:36,310 --> 00:20:45,240 We believe that human beings - including Muslim and non-Muslim - have rights; 138 00:20:45,240 --> 00:20:49,460 we consider them as having right and will not encroach upon that right. 139 00:20:50,750 --> 00:21:00,310 However, if somebody wanted to encroach upon the right of the Iranian nation and the Islamic Republic of Iran, 140 00:21:00,440 --> 00:21:04,130 we know how to deal with them; [and] we will deal strongly [with them]. 141 00:21:05,510 --> 00:21:11,330 Thank God, the ability [to do this] exists; the Iranian nation is a powerful nation, 142 00:21:11,330 --> 00:21:18,840 [and] the Islamic Republic is a stable and established power and we can defend ourselves. 143 00:21:20,040 --> 00:21:27,600 Dear youths, know that the arena of honor, 144 00:21:29,640 --> 00:21:37,110 the arena of grandeur, [and] the arena of Islamic and Iranian identity 145 00:21:37,600 --> 00:21:43,600 is an arena in which valor is needed, sacrifice is needed, 146 00:21:44,970 --> 00:21:50,080 knowledge is needed, [and] deep-seated faith is needed; prepare yourselves; 147 00:21:50,880 --> 00:21:53,280 all young people are addressees of this remark, 148 00:21:53,950 --> 00:22:02,480 but you, our dear youths in the Armed Forces are for some reason more addressed [by this remark] 149 00:22:03,460 --> 00:22:07,600 than others. You must prepare yourselves. 150 00:22:08,260 --> 00:22:11,600 [You must] be a fortress in the true sense of the word; 151 00:22:11,600 --> 00:22:18,480 just [as you said] in this poem that you read and pointed out that 152 00:22:19,510 --> 00:22:25,680 the Armed Forces are like a citadel and protective wall, [and they] are fortress of the country and the nation; 153 00:22:25,860 --> 00:22:29,640 [so, you must] be the fortress of the country in the true sense of the word. 154 00:22:30,170 --> 00:22:36,750 O Almighty! Bestow your blessing, your guidance, [and] your favor on the entire nation of Iran, 155 00:22:37,110 --> 00:22:44,080 on all our youths, on these dear youths, and on all the Armed Forces. 156 00:22:45,550 --> 00:22:48,570 Peace be unto you and so may the mercy of Allah and His blessings.