WANA (Jul 06) – Large numbers of Lebanese citizens attended the funeral ceremony for Iran’s late leader despite what local media described as efforts by Lebanon’s Western-aligned government to hinder their participation.

 

According to media reports, Lebanese citizens intending to attend the funeral were forced to travel first to Iraq and then continue to Iran after facing obstacles that prevented direct travel.

 

The reports said that despite the increased cost—from approximately $400 for a direct flight from Lebanon to Iran to around $700 for the route via Iraq—Lebanese mourners participated in the funeral ceremony in large numbers.

 

The broadcaster Al Mayadeen, which provided live coverage of the ceremony, quoted its analysts as saying that Iran’s cohesive domestic model had demonstrated a level of public awareness that was clearly reflected in the country’s political and negotiating positions.

 

The analysts also said that the massive public turnout at the funeral conveyed a clear political message that the blood of the late leader would not be allowed to be forgotten or go unanswered.