Armed Forces’ Might Originated in Popularity

Qalibaf made the remarks on Monday in a meeting with a number of senior commanders of the Iranian Armed Forces.

He said the Armed Forces are a stronghold of security for Iranians and maintained that the country benefits from a strong might which is rare in other countries.

The Speaker noted that this stems from the dedications of brave soldiers and commanders.

He pointed to popularity as the key to victory and might of the Armed Forces and a deterring element against the enemy, adding, “People’s more involvement in economy and industry will enable us to make more progress, as we did in the defense arena.”

Iran’s top lawmaker expressed hope that the parliament can pass effective laws regarding the defense domain with the cooperation of the Armed Forces.

The Iranian parliament on May 28 elected Qalibaf, the former mayor of the capital city of Tehran, as the new speaker.

Qalibaf secured 230 votes out of a total of 264 votes cast by the new legislators to become the next parliament speaker.

The 11th round of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (parliament) kicked off work on May 27 in the presence of new legislators, President Hassan Rouhani, Judiciary Chief Ebrahim Rayeesi and other high-ranking officials.

The 11th parliamentary elections and the midterm elections for the Assembly of Experts – a body whose members designate the country’s Leader – were held simultaneously on February 21.

The lawmakers are elected for a 4-year term, with no limitation for the incumbent or former parliamentarians to run again.

Qalibaf was on the top of the list of most-voted candidates in the capital with 1,265,287 votes.