TEHRAN – The Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said that strong faith, fortitude, and unity are the principles that have contributed to the nation's perseverance in confronting and thwarting the enemies' plots.

He called the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and Basij (volunteer forces) the manifestation of the nation's strength and resistance, IRNA reported.

Speaking at a large gathering of Basij and IRGC forces from the northern provinces of Mazandaran and Golestan, he also praised the efforts made by the armed forces during the eight years of the sacred defense.

Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the enemies’ massive propaganda campaign directed against Iranians and targeting young people, saying that the youth must use wisdom and prudence to confront and resist this sophisticated propaganda.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Leader said the hypocritical nature of the so-called human rights campaign waged by the global arrogance has been revealed.

Now they have changed their strategy and are voicing concern over Iran's peaceful nuclear program, Ayatollah Khamenei said. He added that through a pernicious media campaign they have tried to make it appear that Iran is a threat to the region, "but there is no hiding behind the fact that the U.S. and Israel are the real antagonists who have often in the past half century fanned the flames of war and destruction in many parts of the globe."

He also urged the people to be cognizant of the many threats facing the country and to resist the enemies' many sinister plots.

He praised the significant role the Basij and IRGC play in determining the future of the country. Prior to the Leader's remarks, the commander of the IRGC, Major General Rahim Safavi, said the IRGC forces "are prepared to defend the nation more than ever before."