The World Gathers to Bid Farewell to Iran’s Late Supreme Leader
WANA (Jul 03) – Iran’s capital on Friday became the scene of one of the largest and most significant international gatherings in recent years, as political, diplomatic, religious, cultural, and academic delegations from nearly 100 countries arrived in Tehran to participate in official tribute and farewell ceremonies for Iran’s martyred Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, at Imam Khomeini Mosalla.
The ceremonies, planned in multiple stages over several days, officially entered their international phase on Friday morning. The opening segment was dedicated to the participation of foreign personalities, intellectuals, and international public groups.
During the early hours of the event, university professors, scholars, religious figures, cultural activists, media personalities, former political officials, and representatives of social organizations from various countries gathered at Imam Khomeini Mosalla, paying tribute to Iran’s late leader in an atmosphere marked by grief and respect.
Observers at the venue noted that one of the most striking aspects of the gathering was the remarkable diversity among participants. Individuals of different languages, cultures, ethnic backgrounds, nationalities, and religious traditions stood side by side. Representatives of various faiths, academics, and cultural figures from different parts of the world were present, creating an atmosphere that many described as transcending conventional political, ethnic, and religious boundaries.
This diversity extended beyond appearances and national identities. Conversations with attendees revealed a common sentiment shared across geographical and cultural divides. Despite their different backgrounds, many participants expressed a similar sense of loss, respect, and commitment to preserving the path and ideas represented by Iran’s late leader.
One participant from India described the event as “a transformative sacrifice,” stating that although the world mourns the loss of such a figure, his influence and message would endure beyond geographical borders. Meanwhile, an Afghan official described Iran’s late leader as a man who “lived with strength and was martyred with strength.”
International Delegations Pay Tribute to Iran’s Late Supreme Leader. Social media / WANA News Agency
Across numerous discussions with participants from regions ranging from Asia and the Middle East to Latin America, a recurring message emerged: while grief over the loss of Iran’s Supreme Leader was deeply felt, there was also a strong sense of determination and responsibility to continue the values and message associated with him. Many participants emphasized that the ideas and goals pursued by Iran’s late leader should continue to resonate on regional and international levels.
Friday had been designated specifically as a day of international tribute, with the initial phase focused on intellectuals, cultural figures, and foreign public groups. However, at approximately 1:00 p.m. local time in Tehran, the official political segment of the ceremonies also began, with senior political leaders and official foreign delegations arriving at Imam Khomeini Mosalla.
During this phase, presidents, prime ministers, parliamentary speakers, ministers, special envoys, and other high-ranking political figures from various countries formally paid tribute to the victims of the incident and to Iran’s martyred Supreme Leader. The official segment unfolded in a formal diplomatic setting, where attending officials expressed condolences and solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Iran and the families of the victims.
Foreign Delegations Arrive in Tehran to Attend Tribute Ceremonies for Iran’s Late Supreme Leader
WANA (Jul 03) – Foreign political and diplomatic delegations began arriving in Tehran on Friday to participate in tribute and farewell ceremonies for Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, joining a growing number of international participants attending the events. Officials and representatives from multiple countries were welcomed by Iranian authorities upon their arrival […]
According to Iranian officials, at least eight heads of government, including presidents and prime ministers, as well as 12 parliamentary speakers, participated in the ceremonies. Foreign ministers, cabinet members, special representatives, and senior political officials from numerous countries were also present in Tehran.
Among the high-ranking figures attending the ceremonies were Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Turkmenistan’s National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili, Iraq’s President and Parliament Speaker, the Speaker of Belarus’ Parliament, the Speaker of Kyrgyzstan’s Parliament, the President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Türkiye’s Vice President, and Qatar’s Parliament Speaker. Senior officials from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, the Republic of Congo, and several other countries also attended the event.
Pakistan participated through a high-level delegation led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, also arrived in Tehran to take part in the ceremonies. India likewise dispatched a special delegation led by its official envoy, accompanied by senior officials from the country’s Ministry of External Affairs.
Alongside political delegations, academics and cultural figures from India, Russia, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, Norway, the United Kingdom, Greece, Sweden, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka also attended the ceremonies. Intellectuals and cultural and media activists from Latin American countries including Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Nicaragua were also present.
Representatives of regional movements and groups affiliated with the Resistance Front were among those attending the event. The Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, as well as delegations from Lebanon, China, and other regional actors, were also among the guests present in Tehran.
Alongside the ceremonies, the Iranian President held a series of bilateral meetings with foreign officials attending the event. Prior to the official political segment, he met with the Prime Minister of Armenia, the National Leader of Turkmenistan, and several other regional and international officials. Observers viewed these meetings as part of broader political and diplomatic consultations taking place on the sidelines of this major international event.
According to official planning, Friday’s events were primarily dedicated to international participation and foreign tributes, while broader public ceremonies involving Iranian citizens are expected to continue in the coming days.
Imam Khomeini Mosalla is now witnessing what many describe as historic and extraordinary days—days that go beyond a traditional mourning ceremony and instead reflect the global impact of a major political and historical moment. According to many observers, the gathering has evolved into more than a formal farewell ceremony; it has become a platform reflecting political, cultural, and human connections across the region and beyond.
