Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed profound gratitude for the “historic presence of the people” and the “global accompaniment” witnessed during the funeral processions and mourning ceremonies of the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

Addressing the great Iranian nation, Islamic nations, and all freedom-loving peoples of the world, the president on Thursday described the millions-strong gatherings in Tehran, Qom, the holy city of Mashhad, Najaf, and Karbala as a magnificent and enduring manifestation of loyalty, national solidarity, and Islamic unity.

“The glorious and million-strong presence of the people in the farewell and mourning ceremonies… is a lasting symbol of the Iranian nation’s devotion and a renewal of the pledge to the ideals of dignity, independence, justice, and progress,” Pezeshkian stated.

The ceremonies, part of the multi-day funeral rites for the martyred Leader, who was assassinated in a US-Israeli airstrike on February 28, have drawn unprecedented crowds across Iran and the holy sites of Iraq. Seas of mourners in black, many traveling long distances and enduring hours of waiting under the summer sun, turned the processions into powerful displays of love and allegiance.

President Pezeshkian highlighted how this historic turnout went far beyond a simple farewell. It represented a collective reaffirmation of the path of the Islamic Revolution, with participants from all walks of life, from ordinary citizens to clergy, security personnel, and media, standing shoulder to shoulder in grief and resolve.

The global dimension of the mourning has been equally striking. Leaders, organizations, and people from across the Islamic world and beyond sent messages of condolence, held commemorations, or joined the processions, underscoring the martyred Leader’s profound spiritual and political influence far beyond Iran’s borders.

The warm hosting by the Iraqi government and people in Najaf and Karbala further exemplified the deep fraternal ties binding the two nations.

This outpouring of emotion and solidarity has once again exposed the futility of the enemies’ plots. Despite months of aggression and attempts to sow division, the Iranian nation has emerged more united than ever, honoring its martyred Leader while pledging to safeguard the revolution’s achievements under the new leadership.

President Pezeshkian extended special thanks to the Iranian people, the governments and nations that stood in solidarity, the clergy, security forces, and media for their sincere efforts in organizing and covering the ceremonies with dignity and devotion.

He called on all to preserve national unity, serve the people with sincerity and dedication, and remain steadfast on the path illuminated by the martyred Leader.

The massive, historic response to the call for mourning the Leader of the Islamic Revolution has sent a clear message to the world: the blood of the martyrs only strengthens the resolve of this proud nation. The flame of resistance, independence, and justice lit by Imam Khomeini and carried forward by Ayatollah Khamenei continues to burn brightly in the hearts of millions.

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