World watches Iran’s farewell to its supreme leader

by AZADEH AKBAR
Special contributor
TEHRAN, (CAJ News) — THE weekend’s weeklong funeral for the slain Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, drew millions of mourners and delegates from over 100 countries.

Killed by joint United States and Israel airstrikes in February, the late leader’s multicity procession underlined his profound and enduring influence.

As the supreme religious and political authority, he was revered by millions globally.

During his 37-year reign, he guided the Islamic Republic through decades of enmity and tangled negotiations with Washington, while also serving as a vital patron for regional proxy networks.

He had the final say on all religious matters, making his leadership the spiritual cornerstone of the nation.

Many Iranians loved him for his staunch anti-Western stance, his steadfast dedication to the country’s sovereignty, and his efforts to elevate the geopolitical footprint of the Islamic Republic.

Despite this significant loss, the resistance axis remains steadfast and continuous.

Leaders from across the globe converged to pay their respects and reaffirm their solidarity.

Representing Russia, former President Dmitry Medvedev stated: “We remember his dedication to statehood. His vision will continue to guide our mutual cooperation.”

A prominent Chinese delegate added: “He was an outstanding statesman who made indelible contributions to regional peace and the defense of national independence.”

Local Iranian mourners similarly expressed their resolve; one attendee at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla noted, “We are here to bid farewell, but our spirit of resistance will never die. We carry on his mission.

“Beyond his geopolitical stature, the late Supreme Leader was celebrated for positive domestic traits, including his lifelong ascetic lifestyle, his deep patronage of Islamic charities, and his promotion of domestic scientific and technological self-sufficiency.

These achievements resonated deeply with Iranian citizens.

His multi-day funeral, which included memorial processions spanning Iran and neighbouring Iraq, served as a powerful display of political solidarity and revolutionary zeal.

The global attendance highlighted his far-reaching influence across the international stage.

– CAJ News