WANA (Mar 01) – Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, issued an official message following the assassination of Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, expressing profound sorrow and describing the event as a major loss for the Muslim world, while emphasizing the pursuit of those responsible and the continuation of the Islamic Revolution’s path and ideals.

 

The full text of the president’s message is as follows:

 

The assassination of the great commander of the Muslim Ummah is an open war against Muslims, especially Shiites across the world.

 

With the deepest sorrow, grief, and regret, the great commander of the Muslim Ummah, the eminent leader of the Islamic Revolution, Grand Ayatollah Imam Khamenei, has been martyred at the hands of the most wicked of criminals. This event is the greatest trial facing the Islamic world today. The assassination of the highest political authority of the Islamic Republic of Iran and a leading authority of the Shiite world, by the sinister American–Zionist axis, constitutes an open declaration of war against Muslims, particularly Shiites across the globe.

 

Over 37 years of wise guidance and leadership by the martyred Grand Ayatollah Imam Khamenei, beloved Iran steadfastly continued the luminous path of Imam Khomeini with strength and authority, becoming a center of resistance against arrogance and a symbol of independence. A great and divinely inspired leader who, relying on the will, vote, and voice of the people, bestowed dignity and honour upon the Iranian nation and stood as a towering pillar and a thorn in the eyes of the enemies of Islam and Iran.

 

Prudence and foresight, perseverance and resistance against oppression, devotion to Imam Khomeini and the ideals of the Islamic Revolution, compassion and kindness, knowledge and forbearance, sincerity, and pure faith in Almighty God have left from the exalted martyr Imam Khamenei a lasting and eternal name in contemporary history alongside Imam Khomeini. Truly, nothing but martyrdom on the battlefield against the enemies of Islam befitted the name and stature of Grand Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei.

 

The Islamic Republic of Iran considers seeking justice and retribution against the perpetrators and masterminds of this historic crime its duty and legitimate right, and it will pursue the fulfilment of this grave responsibility with all its power.

 

I once again extend my condolences to the Islamic Ummah, the noble people of Iran, and all followers and admirers of this eternal leader, reaffirming my firm determination and unwavering resolve to continue the path of this great figure of history. I pray to Almighty God for increasing unity and solidarity among officials and the noble people of Iran in pursuing the lofty ideals of the Islamic Revolution and the expansion of justice and freedom in society.