Iran Observes First Ashura Since Khamenei’s Assassination, Vowing Never to Forget or Forgive

Tens of millions of mourners filled the streets of Iran on Thursday to observe Ashura, the commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), in what has become an especially poignant occasion this year — the first Muharram since the assassination of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, who was killed during what Iranian officials describe as an unprovoked US-Israeli military aggression that began on February 28.

Speaking on the sidelines of Ashura noon prayers at Imam Hussein Mosque in Sahand, East Azarbaijan Province, President Masoud Pezeshkian drew a direct parallel between the eternal message of Karbala and Iran’s present moment. He stated that the blood of the martyrs of Karbala “set in motion a course of history that awakens dormant minds day by day and calls the oppressed to stand against oppression.”

The president emphasized that mourning Imam Hussein (AS) must go beyond ritual and be expressed through action. “The path of Imam Hussein is the path of dignity, honor and the fight against oppression and injustice, and this must be demonstrated in practice; words and slogans alone are not enough,” Pezeshkian declared.

He added that a nation truly inspired by Imam Hussein (AS) must be one where “no Iranian and no follower of Imam Hussein’s path suffers from poverty, hunger or injustice.”

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also marked the occasion with a tribute posted on X, noting that Shia Muslims honor Imam Hussein (AS) as the “Master of Martyrs” for his ultimate sacrifice on the plains of Karbala. He then extended that title to the late Ayatollah Khamenei, writing: “Likewise, we will never forget nor forgive the martyrdom of Grand Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei as the Master of Martyrs of the Islamic Revolution of Iran.”

Across cities and villages throughout Iran, millions of devotees dressed in black took part in traditional Ashura processions featuring rhythmic chest-beating, elegies and the distribution of votive food known as nazri. The ceremonies, observed on the 10th day of Muharram, honor Imam Hussein (AS) and his 72 companions who were martyred in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD while resisting the forces of the Umayyad caliph Yazid I. For Shia Muslims worldwide, Ashura represents the timeless struggle of truth against falsehood and justice against tyranny.