Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the enemies of the Islamic Republic resent the independence of the Iranian nation.

“The system of the Islamic Republic is an independent system; and has, since the [1979] Revolution, openly pursued its policies and does not fear the roar of any power or opposing any power’s policies,” the Leader said in a Thursday meeting with Iranian military officials and commanders, PRESS TV reports.

“The emergence of an independent nation that is opposed to the bullies and their affiliates is not tolerable for the hegemonic system,” Ayatollah Khamenei pointed out.

Leniency won’t reduce enmity’

Ayatollah Khamenei also noted that the enemy seeks the surrender of the Islamic Republic.

“Enmities would not go away by backing down” in the face of the enemy, the Leader said, adding that it is wrong to think that if Iran practices leniency toward the enemy, the latter would reduce its enmity.

“Nations are delighted at seeing the Iranian nation progress and unequivocally defend its rights vis-à-vis powers,” Ayatollah Khamenei noted.

The Leader emphasized that, by accelerating their advances, the Iranian Armed Forces must gain such might that would have enemies not dare to even think of invading Iran.

“The advances of the military forces in different sectors today are very invaluable; but… the pace [of the progress] must be increased,” the Leader of the Islamic Revolution said.