AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): In a meeting with the commander, crew, and families of the 86th Flotilla of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Navy on August 6, 2023, Imam Khamenei described their successful and honorable mission around the globe as a result of great effort, strong determination, self-confidence, designing power, advanced military knowledge, efficient management skills and "courage and endurance in the face of difficulties."
During the meeting, which took place in the Imam Khomeini Hussainiyah, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution added that, "This great movement once again showed that accomplishments, progress and fulfilled hopes come from the heart of movement, effort and hardship."
The Leader hailed the flotilla for sailing 65,000 kilometers in about 8 months, describing it as an unprecedented honor in the history of Iranian seafaring.
"This meaningful and profound movement should not be seen only as a military and naval event, since each of its shaping factors are lessons and worthy of attention."
Imam Khamenei pointed out that what the 86th Flotilla accomplished is a clear example of the Quranic verse: "Prepare against them whatever you can of [military] power".(8:60)
"What you accomplished elevated the level of the country's military capabilities. It strengthened the 'we can' mindset in the armed forces and in people's minds and such a mindset is the basis of the country's progress," he stated.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution further elaborated on the aforementioned verse, underlining that the feeling of weakness, doubt and passivity encourages the enemy to attack and take action. However, when it sees that the other side is prepared and capable, it will think twice before taking any measures.
Imam Khamenei emphasized that the accomplishment made by the 86th Flotilla has improved Iran’s international image, and that its political value is no less than its military value. He also pointed out the lessons that are to be learned from this endeavor.
Referring to the exceptional features of the sea and its greatness as a display of God's signs, he described the first lesson of this seafaring as learning about God.
Imam Khamenei recalled that another lesson that was learned from this mission is a lesson about the Revolution, "because during the disgraceful periods in which the Pahlavi and Qajar [regimes] ruled Iran, there was no knowledge about the sea and its capacities despite the presence of a vast number of coastal resources and sea facilities in the country. The Navy was also preoccupied with other things. But the Revolution brought the sea and seafaring out of closure and oblivion."
He also described the presence of the Navy in distant areas and the Pacific and Atlantic oceans as a security-building presence for Iran. "Monopolization of humanity’s general issues is one of the features surrounding the US and the superpowers. If they could, they would even claim the seas in their name so that others would not have access to them."
In this regard, Imam Khamenei added, “By being present and countering their hostile actions to thwart or destroy this voyage, you proved that the high seas belong to everyone."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution also referred to the obstacles created by the US in sea transportation matters. “[They say]: 'We do not allow certain ships to pass through certain straits.'"
That is absolute nonsense, because the high seas belong to everyone. The sea and the air must be free for all nations and the security of shipping and maritime transport must be ensured for everyone."
During the meeting, Imam Khamenei also pointed to the violations made by the US in international waters. “Today, the Americans are attacking oil tankers and helping maritime smuggling gangs in our region and other regions, which is a great violation and a violation of international and humanitarian laws."
He further emphasized, "The superpowers would have put the oceans in their own name if they could have. Plundering and using public domains for their own gain is a speciality of the US. The 86th Flotilla's trip around the world worked against this and showed that the high seas belong to everyone."
The Leader also praised the families present in the meeting for their important role in the success of the 86th Flotilla mission.
"Patience and tolerance in the face of worries and longings, passing this test with a feeling of honor and an obvious sense of pride in the fathers, mothers and wives [of these men], were other factors that played a role in the achievement of this historic movement," he stated.
Imam Khamenei clarified that the longings felt by the families of the naval forces ended when they saw their loved ones, but the void felt by the families of the martyrs after losing their loved ones has never been filled. “We are all indebted to them and we pray that God keeps them safe and secure alongside the Iranian nation.”
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution expressed his satisfaction with this year’s Ashura mourning ceremonies during the Islamic month of Muharram. "Even though the enemies tried to dampen the spirit of Muharram this year, due to the blessings of Imam Mahdi’s (aj) attention, what occurred was the exact opposite of what the enemies wanted. The first ten days of Muharram [leading to the Day of Ashura], were more spirited, dynamic, and fruitful than in previous years. This shows that when something is in line with divine goals, the Almighty God will assist people with it."
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