TEHRAN – Iran celebrated National Army Day with a series of military parades in Tehran and other provinces on Friday, showing the country’s defense capabilities and achievements.
President Masuud Pezeshkian, who attended the event in Tehran, praised the Iranian army for achieving “strength and preparation” and “subsistence” in military production, along with government and military officials.
In his speech at the event, Pezeschkian highlighted the important role the Army plays in ensuring the security of the country and the stability of the region. He continued, “Society security and peace can only be achieved by the presence of a strong and prepared army. Without this powerful force, security would have disappeared from our society.” The president continued, emphasizing that Iran’s military power allows the country to effectively promote peace and stability throughout the region, adding, “The presence of a strong and capable army allowed Iran to assert its vision of promoting communication, peace and tranquility in the region.”
Pezeshkian also reaffirmed that Iran has become a “uncontroversial force” in the region. This is primarily due to the dedication and capabilities of the military. He praised the “brave” Iranian forces to prevent attempts to successfully stumble outside threats and destabilize the country. “The Iranian military has played a pivotal role in defending the state and protecting its sovereignty over hostile forces,” he said.
In his remarks, Pezeshkian emphasized one of the most important achievements of the Iranian military: self-sufficiency in defense technology. “Today, our powerful army is proud to have made remarkable advances in producing all the military equipment needed, from air, land and sea defense systems to precision guidance technology,” the president noted. He also noted that technological advances in the Army have expanded beyond military applications, benefiting the country’s industry, trade and academic institutions.
“The Army is an invaluable ally to the government and to the Iranian people,” continued Pezeshkian, acknowledging the constant presence of the military during an era of national crisis. “I was always at the forefront during times of adversity.”
The celebrations of the day included a large military parade, with various army units exhibiting an array of domestically produced military equipment, including drones, missiles and other defense systems. The military also showed off the strength of the naval forces in parades in the Persian Gulf and the Oman Sea, featuring Iranian destroyers and indigenous submarines.
National Army Day, celebrated at Fabadin 29 (April 18th this year), was founded in 1979 by Imam Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, just a few months after the overthrow of the Pahlavi regime. This day celebrates the Iranian military’s role in the success of the Islamic Revolution and its subsequent contribution to the protection of the Islamic Republic. This commemoration also serves as a reminder of the Army’s loyalty to the ideals set out by Imam Khomeini.
Iranian military is ready to deal with any threat: Senior Commander
In another speech, Brigadier General Kiumars Haidari, commander of the Iranian Army’s ground forces, reaffirmed that the Army is ready to respond quickly and effectively to the threat.
Haidari emphasized that the Army was operating in peak defensive preparations and that its capabilities reached the highest level of combat readiness. He also emphasizes that the Iranian Army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) have clear but complementary duties, and the Army is primarily responsible for protecting the country’s independence and territorial integrity, as outlined in the Iranian constitution.
“Fabadhan 29 is a celebration of the Islamic and Revolutionary Armies,” Haidari said, stressing that the Iranian army is not dependent on foreign aid. “We can fully protect our country and its values without external support,” the commander of the ground forces also said that the Army had planned a series of events that demonstrated its strength, self-sufficiency and capabilities.
As National Army Day focuses on Iranian military growth capabilities, it also reflects the nation’s continued commitment to maintain independence and regional influence.