Tehran, Sept 23, IRNA � Head of Expediency Council's Center for Strategic Research Ali Akbar Velayati said that today, Iran is the most independent and influential country in the region and world for its security and strength.

He made the remark in a post on his Instagram page on the occasion of Sacred Defense Week.

He said the week served as a good opportunity for commemorating sacrifices and braveries of the martyrs.

These days are reminiscent of unique persons who brought dignity and honor for the country through following the path of Imams and guidelines of the late Leader of the Islamic Revolution Imam Khomeini, he said.

It was only thanks to the Islamic Revolution that even an inch of the country's soil was not given to the aliens, Velayati said, noting that today Iran is going ahead under leadership of the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

Victory in sacred defense, driving enemies out of the country and announcement of deposed Saddam as an aggressor are indicative of Basij and armed forces' sacrifices during the war, he said.

By IRNA