Seyyed Mujtaba Khamenei further described popular support for the armed forces as a "pillar of deterrence," and said that the continued presence of people in public squares and streets for the past eight months represents "an extension of Iran's sacred defense for eight years. He also praised the resilience of the resistance front across the region, and described the "unity of the fronts" as a crucial factor in shaping the emerging political and security order in West Asia. During the meeting, senior commanders briefed him on the readiness along the Gulf coast, around the Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman, and on Iran's northwestern and southeastern borders. They also reported a diverse increase in the production of ammunition and weapons for reconnaissance, support and combat operations.