Army Chief Says Iran Will Uphold Martyred Leader’s Legacy

Iran’s Army Commander, Major General Amir Hatami, has praised the people for their historic participation in the funeral ceremonies of the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution. He said the large turnout sent a strong message to Iran’s enemies that the path of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei would continue.

In a message released on Friday, a day after the Leader was buried in the holy city of Mashhad, Hatami thanked the millions of people who joined the funeral ceremonies in Iran and Iraq.

He said the huge number of Iranians, Muslims, and supporters from different countries showed the strong bond between the people and the ideals of the Islamic Revolution.

Hatami said, “The path of the Islamic Revolution’s martyred Leader is a flowing spring that will continue to run, sustained by the resolve and determination of this nation; it is a path anchored in the pillars of truth, justice, and resistance—one whose radiance no enemy plot or scheme has the power to extinguish.”

He also said, “As its glorious history attests, Islamic Iran emerges from arduous trials with even firmer resolve and steadier steps to pursue its course. Once again, with redoubled effort, Iran will bring to fruition the ideals of the Revolution’s martyred Imam and uphold the enduring path of dignity, independence, and steadfastness.”

Hatami thanked the people of Iran and Iraq for taking part in the farewell ceremonies, condemning the attack, and renewing their support for Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei.

He also appreciated the efforts of the Iranian police, security forces, Army, and medical teams who helped organize and manage the funeral ceremonies.

The funeral began on Friday in Tehran, where Ayatollah Khamenei’s body was placed at Imam Khomeini Mosalla for people and foreign dignitaries to pay their respects. Public farewell ceremonies and prayers continued over the weekend.

On Monday, millions of people gathered in Tehran as the funeral procession moved through the city. The ceremonies later continued in Qom, followed by large gatherings in Iraq’s holy cities of Najaf and Karbala.

The final burial took place late Thursday at the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (AS) in Mashhad.

According to estimates, between 41 million and 43 million people attended the funeral ceremonies across Iran and Iraq, making it the largest funeral procession of its kind in the world.