Navy's presence in international waters should continue: Ayatollah Khamenei

During the meeting, according to ISNA, Ayatollah Khamenei called November twenty-eighth, the day of grace, a source of pride for the Naval Forces and a symbolic day for praising their sacrifices.

He asserted, "The courageous operation of Naval Forces against the Iraqi Ba'ath regime, on November 28th 1980, had a permanent effect on the war, severing the enemy's domination over the sea through [the Navy's] courage, creativity, organization and action".

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forced insisted on the importance of remembering November 28th and its martyrs, while adding: "Martyrdom for the sake of God is not a loss, it's a gain. As Imam Khomeini, precisely, put it, 'A nation with martyrdom cannot be enslaved.'"

Emphasizing on particular needs in order to increase the capabilities of the Naval Forces like equipment, military power or using facilities from various departments within the system to counter any shortcomings, the Leader of the Revolution said, "Great growth and dynamism have begun within the Naval Forces. Today, Iran's Naval Forces are much more powerful compared to twenty years ago; however, the level of progress is not satisfactory: within all departments, fast-paced movement should continue through will-power, high morale, creativity and action".

Additionally, Ayatollah Khamenei indicated the importance of the Naval Forces in his speech, by adding: "The Naval Forces are on the front lines of defending this country: they guard crucial points--such as Mokran, the gulf of Oman, and the high seas beyond. Navy's presence, within international waters, must continue like before."