Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei called on the armed forces commanders to move forward in deterring the enemies and not to settle for any level of power. Hinting at the protests taking place in the country since September, Khamenei stressed that the armed forces should be prepared and vigilant against plotters, reported Iran’s official news agency IRNA. “Arrogant powers are waging a conflict from behind the scenes wherever it benefits them,” he said. He added: “Paying close attention to the enemy's five- or ten-year schemes is necessary, but mid- and long-term plots should be considered and monitored.” He stated: “The Americans had interests in Iraq and Afghanistan, but their ultimate goal was Iran, and due to the solid foundations of the revolution, they failed in their adventures as well as their ultimate goal.” “At no stage should one ignore the enemy's machinations and plots.” Iranian cities are preparing for a military parade on Tuesday marking Army Day. Commander of the Air Force Hamid Vahedi said more than 40 fighter jets are set to fly in the skies over the capital Tehran, according to IRNA. “The parade on 29th of Farvardin (April 18) will be different this year than previous ones,” he said, saying Iran boasts more than 40 types of jets, including the Saeqa, Kosar, F5, F4, F14, F7, MiG-29, Sukhoi-24. He added that improving the expertise of pilots, evaluating the level of readiness of units, and ensuring the protection of the borders are among the other goals of the aerial parade.