Ayatollah Khamenei Criticizes Western Double Standards on Defense as He Commends Iran’s Armed Forces
Tehran, The Gulf Observer: Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has condemned what he described as the West’s hypocrisy in global military affairs, stating that Western powers grant themselves the right to possess the most destructive weapons while denying independent nations the means for self-defense.
Speaking during a high-level meeting with commanders and officials of Iran’s Armed Forces on Sunday, Ayatollah Khamenei praised the military’s growing capabilities and emphasized its pivotal role as “a shield for the country and a refuge for the nation against any aggressor.”
“Ill-wishers are frustrated by Iran’s advancements, especially in the defense sector,” the Leader said. “What angers the enemy is not just the name ‘the Islamic Republic’ but our insistence on being Muslim, independent, and dignified without relying on others.”
The Leader urged the armed forces to maintain both “hardware and software readiness,” underscoring the importance of ideological strength and strategic preparedness in confronting external threats.
He warned that armies lacking faith, courage, and trust in God have historically faced defeat and called on Iran’s defense establishment to hold fast to these core values.
While acknowledging the country’s economic challenges, Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized that these difficulties should not detract from Iran’s “amazing progress” across key sectors.
In his remarks, he also criticized Western media, accusing it of biased and propagandistic reporting aimed at distorting the reality of Iran’s internal and external posture.
“Western media often reports what it wishes to be true as fact,” he said, urging officials to actively counter misinformation campaigns.
At the start of the meeting, Major General Mohammad Baqeri, Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, delivered an overview of the nation’s defense and deterrence strategy.
“With the full support of our people, the Armed Forces are fully prepared and will foil the enemies’ sinister goals,” General Baqeri affirmed.
The gathering underscored Iran’s commitment to strengthening its defense infrastructure amid ongoing regional tensions and external pressures, particularly from Western powers that continue to impose restrictions and criticize Tehran’s military posture.
Ayatollah Khamenei’s remarks signal a reaffirmation of Iran’s intent to maintain its sovereign defense capabilities while resisting what it sees as unjust international norms dictated by dominant powers.
