Tehran: The Iranian Defense Ministry has pledged to further strengthen the country's defense capabilities along the path charted by the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the ministry issued a statement on Tuesday as Iran marks the 40th day since the funeral and burial of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, who was martyred in an airstrike on his office and residence in Tehran on February 28, the first day of the recent US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran. The statement emphasized that the 40th day serves as a reminder of the pledge made to the martyred Leader to continue his path in safeguarding Iran's dignity, independence, and strength.

The martyred Leader had focused on strengthening the country's defense capabilities and developing its defense industry by relying on Iranian youths and experts, the ministry noted in the statement, issued ahead of National Defense Industry Day on August 22. The ministry underscored the responsibility to continue the path he charted for building the country's defense capabilities and to further advance and strengthen them in line with emerging needs and threats.

The ministry also called on people from all walks of life to attend ceremonies marking the 40th day since the burial of the martyred Leader. The ceremonies are set to be held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad, respectively.