Iran's supreme leader called on the armed forces on
Thursday to increase their capabilities in order to protect the Islamic
Republic's influence in the Middle East and deter would-be attackers.
"The
armed forces must urgently increase their readiness, so that the enemy
dare not think of attacking," Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was
quoted as saying by Iranian agencies in a meeting with army commanders.
Ayatollah
Khamenei often invokes an unspecified "enemy" when talking about
Western powers, particularly the United States and Israel, which he
suspects of plotting to overthrow the Islamic Republic.
Tensions
have also been on the rise between Iran and Saudi Arabia, and Ayatollah
Khamenei on Wednesday threatened a "harsh reaction" if Saudi Arabia
showed disrespect to hundreds of Iranians killed in the kingdom during a
stampede at the haj pilgrimage.
The two powers trade
frequent criticisms and back opposite sides in a series of conflicts
across the Middle East, but have held back from overt confrontation.
Saudi
Arabia warns of Iranian expansionism, whereas Tehran says it is a
peaceful power but insists on its right to influence in the region.
"The
future of the country is in the hands of its youth, who must recognise
their strength and help tomorrow's Iran be more capable, powerful, and
influential in the region and the world," Ayatollah Khamenei said.
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