‘A great wealth’: Leader hails Basij role in defending Iran, facilitating its growth

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has highlighted the role of Iran’s Basij volunteer force in both defending the country and facilitating its growth, praising it as a “great asset” and the “God-given reserve” for the Iranian nation.

Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks in a message issued on Wednesday on the occasion of the 41st anniversary of the Basij force’s creation under the direction of the late founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini.

The message was read out by Brigadier General Mohammad Shirazi, the head of the Leader’s Military Office, in a video conference call with Basij headquarters in provincial capitals.

“Basij is a great and brilliant relic of the late Imam as well as a manifestation of national authority and an exhibition of purity, sincerity, insight and struggle,” it read.

“The name of Basij is mentioned everywhere and its presence is evident when it comes to defending the country, its independence and stability, to [offering] vital services on a nationwide scale, to [promoting] pioneering scientific activities and new technologies, to [adopting] value-based approaches, and to creating a spiritual atmosphere," it added.

The Leader described “faith, determination, responsibility, and self-confidence” as the “building blocks” of Basij’s capabilities and problem resolution efforts, saying “these are themselves the God’s blessings and gifts” that need to be preserved.

“Basij is the great asset and God-given reserve of the Iranian nation,” said Ayatollah Khamenei, warning that the enemies have been “thinking of destroying or rendering it ineffective.”

Ayatollah Khamenei called on the organization’s officials and members to “see themselves duty-bound “to nullify the enemy’s deception and proceed with trust, sincerity and planning.”

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