WANA (Jul 03) – Ayatollah Seyed Ahmad Khatami, Tehran’s Friday prayer leader, said during this week’s sermon that what he described as “seeking justice for the martyred leader of the Revolution” has become a public demand among supporters of the political system and across the Islamic world. He also described the Islamic system as “a trust left by the prophets, the Imam, and the martyrs,” adding that this trust is now in the hands of the people.

 

Speaking at Friday prayers held on July 3, 2026, at the University of Tehran, Khatami devoted a significant portion of his remarks to the farewell and funeral ceremonies for the martyred leader of the Revolution and the political and social messages associated with the event.

 

Funeral of the Martyred Leader Seen as Carrying Political and Social Messages

Khatami said the funeral ceremony should not be viewed merely as a mourning event but as an occasion carrying broader political, social, and ideological significance.

 

He said the first message of the ceremony was the public’s appreciation for the leader’s decades of service and leadership. According to Khatami, the leader had endured imprisonment, exile, and various forms of pressure since the beginning of the revolutionary movement in 1963 and had played a central role in the political structure of the Islamic Republic for several decades.

 

Emphasis on “Seeking Justice” and Reaction Across the Islamic World

The Tehran Friday prayer leader described the second message of the ceremony as “the demand for justice and retribution throughout the Islamic world,” saying that, in his view, the killing of the leader extends beyond Iran’s borders and would provoke widespread reactions among Muslims.

 

He also referred to the deaths of members of the leader’s family, describing the issue as one of the factors increasing public sensitivity and concern surrounding the event. He said calls for accountability and justice had evolved into a broader public demand.

 

Emphasis on Loyalty to the Political System and Continued Resistance

Khatami described public participation in the farewell and funeral ceremonies as a sign of loyalty to the Islamic Republic, stating that people remain committed to the country’s political structure.

 

He also emphasized the theme of resistance, saying that continued resistance over the past four decades had been a key factor in the survival and continuity of the political system. According to him, supporters of the government view large public gatherings at such events as a clear message of support for the country’s political path.

 

Khatami added that the Iranian people would continue to resist external pressure and threats.

 

Reference to Leadership Succession and the Concept of Guardianship

In another part of his speech, Khatami addressed the issue of leadership succession, saying that public participation in the ceremony could be interpreted as support for the successor to the leadership and for the continuation of the system’s political and ideological direction.

 

He also emphasized the role of the Supreme Jurist within the political structure of the Islamic Republic, saying that the legitimacy of officials is defined within this framework and that decisions by the leadership are not merely personal opinions but are based on evaluation and expert consultation.

 

“Political Awareness” and Identifying Adversaries Highlighted

Khatami also described political awareness and the ability to identify adversaries as essential elements for preserving the political system. He said sustained public participation in political and social affairs reflects society’s awareness of challenges and perceived threats.

 

He added that the martyred leader of the Revolution had repeatedly stressed the importance of maintaining awareness and understanding political realities.

 

Strong Criticism of the United States and Israel

Another part of Khatami’s remarks focused on sharp criticism of the United States and Israel.

 

He said the slogan “Death to America” should not be viewed simply as a political slogan but, according to supporters of the system, as a phrase rooted in ideological and religious beliefs.

 

Khatami also referred to the downing of Iran’s civilian airliner by a U.S. naval vessel in 1988, describing it as one example of what he called Washington’s hostile policies toward Iran.

 

He further cited events such as the freezing of Iranian assets after the revolution and the failed Nojeh coup attempt as reasons behind the Islamic Republic’s continued distrust toward the United States.

 

Tehran’s Position on Negotiations with Washington

Concluding his remarks, Khatami addressed the issue of negotiations, saying Iranian officials remain open to talks but do not trust the United States.

 

He also warned that any military action against Iran would be met with a response from the country’s armed forces and stated that any potential attack would receive a strong reaction.