On his first Army Day as Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei praised Iran’s military for its role in the recent 40-day war and signalled new measures to strengthen capabilities. He highlighted drone and naval power, honoured war casualties, and said the armed forces would continue advancing strategic preparedness.

Tehran: Marking his first Army Day since ascending to the leadership, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei issued a high-stakes message on Saturday, commending the Islamic Republic of Iran Army for its "courageous defence" during the recent 40-day war against the US-Israeli coalition.

In a statement marking Farvardin 29, the Leader characterised the military's performance as a pivotal victory over "disbelief and arrogance," claiming the conflict exposed the "weakness and humiliation" of Iran's adversaries.

In a series of posts shared on the account purportedly attributed to Mojtaba Khamenei, the Supreme Leader hailed Iran's army for courageously defending the country from aggressors.

The message carried deep personal and historical weight, coinciding with the birth anniversary of his father and predecessor, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the initial strikes of the recent conflict in February.