Iranians mourn their martyr, 'we will take revenge'
Translated from Italian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Immense crowds gathered in Tehran for the funeral of Iranian leader Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed in US-Israel attacks.
- Mourners expressed a strong desire for revenge against the US and Israel, chanting slogans and carrying banners.
- Family members attended the ceremony, with calls for his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, to succeed him as Supreme Leader.
A vast, somber crowd, predominantly dressed in black, converged at the Mosalla Grand Mosque in Tehran to bid a final farewell to Iranian leader Ali Khamenei. Reports indicate he was killed in attacks attributed to the US and Israel.
This army came here for the love of the leader
Mourners were visibly distressed, many weeping and rhythmically beating their chests while chanting calls for vengeance. Banners displayed messages such as "This army came here for the love of the leader" and "There will be blood" alongside images of Donald Trump. A funeral orator declared, "We are here for revenge, not just for a funeral."
We are here for revenge, not just for a funeral.
Family members were present, though Khamenei's son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, has not been seen publicly since his appointment. Speakers emphasized the deceased leader's sacrifice and the duty of followers to continue his path against perceived enemies, particularly the United States and Israel. Attendees vowed to be "good soldiers" for Mojtaba Khamenei and to thwart enemy plots.
The deceased leader has sacrificed his life for his cause and remained faithful until the end, and now it is our duty to continue his path to defeat the enemies, particularly the United States and Israel
Participants expressed disbelief at the leader's death, vowing not to forget his martyrdom or that of other civilians. They affirmed a commitment to revenge for these "crimes," stating that relations with the United States would never improve. The funeral procession extended beyond the mosque, with large numbers gathering in surrounding streets, necessitating significant security and support services due to the heat.
Perhaps we were not good soldiers for the deceased leader, but we certainly will be for his son, the Supreme Guide Mojtaba Khamenei. Now we are more aware of our duties and will thwart the enemies' plots.
Originally published by ANSA in Italian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.