(MNA) -- Ayatollah Khamenei, the Commander-in-Chief of armed forces, made the remarks in a joint graduation, inauguration, and epaulet granting ceremony for cadets of Islamic Republic of Iran's Army Academies that was held on Wednesday at Imam Ali Officers' Academy.

Addressing the cadets, the Iranian Leader said "our dear Iran was once submissive to American, Zionist, and English advocates. This nation, country and its history had come under repression by dependant, cruel, weak and submissive rulers."

"The Islamic Republic glorified and dignified Iran," he stressed. "Today, our fight with the arrogant powers is over their desire to dominate our region. The most pivotal element of our national sovereignty is viewed as an intrusive element by our enemies - one that needs to be fought against."

He went on to add, "they oppose the development of the Islamic Republic of Iran's power in our region and beyond, because it is the country's strategic depth."

"If we say security is important, it's because any other progress depends on it today," Ayatollah Khamenei said."One of the main issues of the country is the people’s livelihood, which depends upon the economy. Economy requires security and must be built on a secure foundation."

The Leader went on to add, "our historical problem is the dependence of the economy on oil; this has caused a concern for economic security at all times: The price of oil declined, it rose, that oil customer did not pay... when everything revolves around oil, the economy is insecure; the economy must be secured."

"We have previously declared, and do it once again that the defense capabilities of the country are neither negotiable nor will ever be bargained for! Their enquiries about the reason we have some defense facilities, why we develop them, or why do we conduct experiments - these matters are non-negotiable. We won't negotiate with the enemy on matters that provide us with our national sovereignty."