TEHRAN-- I would like to first send my greetings to our esteemed leader Imam Khamenei, and the souls of our beloved martyrs. I congratulate the noble people of Iran for the anniversary of the successful Morvarid Operation which was carried out on November 28, 1980.

The operation, executed through the selfless efforts of the naval forces, managed to eliminate the Ba'athist regime's navy from the Persian Gulf for the entire eight years of war while cutting off the enemy’s economic lifeline. In the meantime, the Iranian navy was able to protect more than ten thousand commercial and oil tankers throughout the war and prevent Iran from facing an oil export crisis.

I first want to condemn the true animalistic and savage nature of the oppressive and occupying Zionist regime, which cannot confront combatants on the battlefield and ruthlessly commits mass murder of children and women instead.

Today your beloved children in the army’s navy have successfully thwarted the enemy’s conspiracies, sanctions, and threats by creating strategic ambiguity in the defense and naval areas. They will continue on their revolutionary path through comprehensive unity and convergence of all ethnic groups, in order to move towards all-round development and stability. While keeping in mind the power and dignity of Iran, they will strengthen relations with other nations to bring even more progress to the country. We believe that Iran can only continue its powerful presence in the sea through the continuous participation and engagement of every citizen in the country’s affairs.

Dear Iranian compatriots, the strategic naval forces of the army, with their strong will, scientific and practical abilities, and the hope and perseverance of enlightened young people, have been able to present the Islamic Republic's power to the global community by changing strategic patterns in a historic move. With the implementation of policies for the development of sea-based approaches and the serious cooperation of esteemed chiefs of the three branches, a new chapter in shifting from a land-based economy to a maritime-based economy will undoubtedly take place, and it will be a thoughtful and practical step towards revitalizing national economy. I believe that the correct implementation of these policies will play a very important role. My comrades are ready to give their all for the implementation of these policies to make our Leader’s vision come to life. We hope that the Iranian Parliament (Majlis) and the popular government will make use of the potential capacities available within this strategic force.

Iran has helped strengthen the international maritime system through its powerful navy’s peaceful approach. Due to our country’s geopolitical position, the Islamic Republic of Iran has created great deterrence and security in West Asia. This power is not only summarized in operational naval capabilities in war but also includes control of international trade, exploitation, and control of oceanic resources, and the use of maritime economic power as a tool for diplomacy and political influence.

Today, as the world is facing more challenges at sea, such as smuggling, piracy, and maritime terrorism in global trade arteries, and disputes over international water sovereignty, we need a strong navy to be able to enact the laws that have been put into place. That’s the only way we can guard and protect the country’s interests in coastal waters, land, continental shelves, and special economic zones. Our navy needs to have a powerful presence at regional and international levels. 

By taking a look at the conduct of foreign naval forces in our region in the past years, it becomes apparent that our enemies are seeking to disrupt the power balance in the region, as Iran's rightful maritime sovereignty has challenged their interests.

Undoubtedly, the liberal world order (established by the U.S.) is being replaced by multipolarity with the emergence of new regional and international powers, and the formation of new coalitions around the world. In this context, the Islamic Republic of Iran, with the discourse of resistance and the slogan of peace and friendship, is preparing itself for a transition to the new world order which bares out the weakening American hegemony. The world is moving towards a multipolar system, and Iran will make sure to take advantage of the rising opportunities in order to consolidate its position in the new world order. The army’s strategic navy will make sure to aid our country in this journey.

And finally, the enemies must know and understand that the country of Iran and all Iranians will never be isolated, and Islamic Iran can never be pushed into oblivion through sanctions and pressure.