Iranian Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gestures before delivering a speech in Mashad, on March 21, 2018. Photo: Leader.ir / Handout via Reuters.

Iran should increase its military capability and readiness to ward off enemies, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday in a meeting with Iranian navy commanders, according to Khamenei’s official website.

“Increase your capability and readiness as much as you can so Iran’s enemies will not even dare threaten these great people,” Khamenei said.

He added, “The Islamic Republic does not intend to start war with anyone.”

Tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia have increased in recent months as both countries compete for power and influence across the region.

The two countries support opposite sides in conflicts in Syria and Yemen and different political factions in Iraq and Lebanon.