Defiant Chants Mark Khamenei's Funeral
Red flags, widely regarded as a symbol of revenge, were prominently displayed during the ceremony. Photo: Collected
The first day of the final farewell ceremony for martyred leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla was marked by deep grief, emotion, and pledges of resistance. In the presence of millions of mourners, chants of ‘Inteqam, Inteqam’ (Revenge, Revenge) repeatedly echoed throughout the venue.
At one point, the crowd chanted in unison, ‘Marg Bar Amrika’ (Death to America), ‘Marg Bar Israel’ (Death to Israel), and ‘Labbaik Ya Khamenei’ (O Khamenei, we are ready for you). Mourners later raised the slogans, ‘God’s peace be upon the hearts devoted to the martyred Imam and ‘Today, Tehran has taken on the spirit of Ashura.’
Many participants carried portraits of the martyred leader, Iran’s national flag, and the flags of various resistance organizations. Numerous mourners also waved red flags, widely regarded as a symbol of revenge. Alongside grief, the atmosphere reflected a strong commitment to resistance.
Iranian military and political leaders attending the ceremony blamed the United States and Israel for the recent attack and vowed to continue resistance. Speakers said Iran would further strengthen its defense capabilities by following the ideals and path of the martyred leader and would not hesitate to respond to aggression.
Intelligence Ministry Vows Revenge
Iran’s Intelligence Ministry has pledged to avenge the blood of martyred leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and those who were killed alongside him.
In a statement issued on the occasion of the farewell ceremony and funeral prayers, the ministry accused the United States and Israel of committing what it described as ‘the greatest terrorist crime in contemporary history.’ The statement said those held responsible for the attack would face justice.
The ministry called on the public to participate in large numbers in the funeral procession. It also reaffirmed loyalty to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, and said Iran would continue its commitment to resisting foreign threats and seeking retribution against those responsible.
Strikes Against the Enemy Will Continue
Brig. Gen. Seyyed Majid Mousavi, commander of the Aerospace and Missile Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), also issued a message ahead of the farewell ceremony, emphasizing a hardline stance.
He said members of the IRGC Aerospace and Missile Force, who stand ready to sacrifice their lives for the Iranian people, would continue delivering what he described as “thunderous strikes of wrath” against the enemy.
In the message, he said, “Today we bid farewell to our martyred leader in profound sorrow. We pledge before Almighty God that we will not stop for even a moment until the great goals he set for the Islamic community under his leadership are fulfilled.”
He added that the blood of every Iranian martyr would inspire renewed determination for revenge and that the struggle between truth and falsehood would continue. According to him, the enemy has already suffered severe and unexpected blows, and that trend will continue in the future.
The slogans voiced by mourners at the Mosalla and the statements issued by military and intelligence leaders conveyed the same message: Iran will not retreat from its commitment to avenge the blood of the martyred leader, preserve national unity, and maintain resistance against the United States and Israel.
Writer: Senior Journalist, Bangla Service, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB)
