WANA (Feb 23) – A historic day for Beirut and a major defeat for Israel unfolded today. A crowd estimated at 1.4 million people took to the streets to bid farewell to Hezbollah’s leaders.

 

At the funeral procession of Seyed Hassan Nasrallah and Sheikh Safi al-Din—Hezbollah leaders who were assassinated in Israeli missile attacks—participants from various countries were present.

 

Israel’s anger was evident from the early hours of the day. As time passed and more people joined Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral procession, Israeli concerns and fury grew.

 

When the body of Seyed Hassan Nasrallah entered the “Camille Chamoun” stadium, Israeli fighter jets conducted maneuvers in the sky—an action that not only failed to instil fear among the people but was met with chants of “Death to Israel.”

 

Jackson Hinkle, an American media activist who attended the ceremony, stated in a video report: “The Zionists are trying to overshadow this ceremony, but humanity stands with Nasrallah.”

The overwhelming presence of Iranians and high-ranking Iranian officials was among the expectations of many Lebanese. However, due to U.S. obstruction and the cancellation of flights from Iran, Iranian citizens and some officials were prevented from attending the funeral in Lebanon.

 

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian wished to attend the ceremony, but the Lebanese government did not extend an invitation to him. On the eve of Seyed Nasrallah’s funeral, President Pezeshkian wrote on his X account: “The great Lebanese nation deserves to take pride in all its courageous sons—especially these two noble Seyeds—heroes who remained loyal to their pledge and defended the dignity of the Ummah…” He further emphasized, “We remain committed to the oath we made.”

 

Over the past weeks, many Iranians have requested that a funeral ceremony for martyrs Nasrallah and Safi al-Din be held in Iran as well so that Israelis and the Western world could witness the unwavering support of Shia Muslims for their leaders.

Message from the Supreme Leader and Iranian Officials’ Tribute

During the ceremony, a message from Iran’s Supreme Leader was read by his representative. Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei emphasized that “resistance against usurpation, oppression, and arrogance will never cease and will continue until the ultimate goal is achieved.” The message also highlighted the prominent role of Seyed Hashem Safi al-Din.

 

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, and Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, led a delegation to Beirut to pay their respects. In response to the massive crowd at the ceremony, Araghchi stated, “This gathering is more like a flood—a torrent of resistance lovers who have renewed their pledge with Hezbollah today.”

 

The presence of prominent Iranian figures, including influencers and cultural activists, was notable. They shared their emotions by posting images and videos from the ceremony on social media using the hashtags #Seyed_of_Resistance and #Martyr_Nasrallah.

 

The funeral of Nasrallah also received widespread attention in Iran. Users affiliated with the Resistance Axis described Nasrallah as an “invincible legend.” One user wrote, “There are millions of Hassan Nasrallahs who will keep the flag of resistance raised.” Another Iranian user wrote, “Israel killed one Nasrallah but created thousands more.”

Nasrallah’s Funeral: Legacy and Iran’s Call for Resistance

WANA (Feb 22) – Nearly five months after the shocking assassination of Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, Lebanon is preparing for a historic funeral—one that is expected to be more than just a farewell. For many, it is a renewed call to resistance.   As thousands prepare to gather in Beirut’s Camille Chamoun Sports […]

Read More...

On Telegram, Iranians were particularly active in showcasing the grandeur of the ceremony. Various channels covered the event by sharing live videos and images. Numerous posts praising the resistance and its leaders have been written in Persian Telegram channels since yesterday, with a significant portion of the content opposing “Zionists” and their inhumane actions.

 

On Instagram, Iranians shared numerous images and posters related to the “martyrdom” of Seyed Hassan Nasrallah and solidarity with the people of Lebanon. One user, in the caption of an image, wrote, “The path of Seyed Hassan Nasrallah continues; the resistance is alive.”

 

Hezbollah of Lebanon selected the hashtag “#انّا_علی_العهد” (“We remain committed to our pledge”) to honor the funeral of the martyrs Seyed Hassan Nasrallah and Seyed Hashem Safi al-Din. The hashtag was widely embraced by resistance supporters on social media, becoming a trending topic, especially in Lebanon and Iran.

 

Symbolic funeral processions for the two Hezbollah leaders were also held in Iraq, Yemen, and several other Islamic countries. Following the funeral in Lebanon, a ceremony was also held in Tehran, attended by Hezbollah supporters and sympathizers.

 

The speaker of the ceremony in Tehran was General Salami, the IRGC chief. “Iran’s invincibility has been proven; when a small piece of land has been able to break America and Israel together, so that it could cause everyone to calculate how powerful Iran is.” This was an official warning from Iran to Israel and the United States, implicitly conveyed by the IRGC commander. He explicitly stated that Israel and America should not test Iran’s military power, as the response they would receive would be regretful.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander-in-Chief Major General Hossein Salami, speaks during the funeral ceremony of senior adviser for Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Sayyed Razi Mousavi, who was killed in an Israeli air strike outside the Syrian capital Damascus

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander-in-Chief Major General Hossein Salami speaks during the funeral ceremony of senior adviser for Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Sayyed Razi Mousavi, who was killed in an Israeli air strike outside the Syrian capital, Damascus, in Tehran, Iran December 28, 2023. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Tribute from Global Figures

Alida Guevara, daughter of Che Guevara, stated in a special message: “Seyed Hassan Nasrallah sacrificed everything for his cause. The imperialists) global oppressors( feared him and revealed their fascist nature.”

 

Additionally, Nelson Mandela’s son attended the event in Beirut and said: “Nasrallah’s resistance against oppression was an inspiration to all freedom seekers. His martyrdom will be a great lesson for Israel.”

 

Following Israel’s request to pro-Israeli Western media to censor Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral ceremony, only a few outlets reluctantly acknowledged and praised the event. France 24, in a report, described the ceremony as “a symbol of Iran and Hezbollah’s show of power.”

 

David Miller, a British university professor who was caught in the funeral procession, posted a sarcastic tweet: “A sea of people, yellow flags waving in the sun… But yeah, the Axis of Resistance is definitely finished!”

 

Leaked reports from foreign embassies in Beirut indicate that Western countries did not anticipate such a massive turnout. Analysts had believed that Hezbollah, due to financial constraints and internal disputes, would be unable to organize such an event. However, the extensive participation of 20,000 young Lebanese, who assisted in all logistical, operational, and security aspects, changed this equation and shocked foreign diplomats.

 

The funeral of Seyed Hassan Nasrallah left a profound impact not only in Lebanon but across the region, including Iran. One message stood out above all: “The path of resistance continues.”