Mass turnout at Leader's funeral a 'decisive’ response to bullying, terror: Pezeshkian

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says a massive public turnout at the funeral of late Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei will serve as a "decisive" response to terrorism, violence and bullying, while demonstrating the Iranian nation's unity and determination to defend its independence and dignity.

Pezeshkian made the remark in a message on Thursday addressed to the Iranian nation ahead of farewell and burial ceremonies for the late Ayatollah Khamenei, who was martyred on February 28, the first day of the US-Israel imposed war.

"Your huge presence is a decisive response to terror, violence, and bullying, and a clear message to the world showing that the Iranian nation stands united and unanimous in defending their independence and dignity," he said.

It will also demonstrate that “no incident will weaken the will of this nation to build a prosperous, free, powerful, and proud Iran", he added.

He expressed confidence in the people's role at the current juncture and noted that the Iranian nation will once again reaffirm its loyalty to the path and ideals of the martyred Leader in this grand farewell.

The president expressed confidence that the people's participation in this historic farewell would once again prove their loyalty to the path of the late Leader.

"I am confident that the great nation of Iran, in this historic farewell, with hearts full of sorrow and will powers combined with hope, will once again prove that the flag for which this great Leader struggled throughout his life will never fall to the ground," Pezeshkian stated.

He noted that the martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei had caused deep sorrow among Iranians, the Muslim world and all free nations across the world, but stressed that the loss has revealed the undeniable truth that the firm foundation of the Islamic establishment rests on the “solid pillars of faith, ideals, and the will of a great nation."

'A new chapter' for Iran

"This martyrdom is not the end of a path, but the beginning of a new chapter of solidarity, steadfastness and growth for a nation that has always emerged from the most difficult tests more united, more resolute and more hopeful for tomorrow," he president emphasized.

He commended the late Leader's thought and performance in safeguarding Iran's independence and promoting religious democracy and resistance during some of the most challenging periods in the country's modern history.

Ayatollah Khamenei's name, ideas and achievements would undoubtedly remain forever in the historical memory of the Iranian nation and awakened conscience of the world's free people around the world, he said.

"Today, what guarantees the security, stability, and bright future of this land is national unity, conscious participation, and resistance against excessive demands of the arrogant powers," Pezeshkian added.

He called on all Iranians, regardless of ethnicity, religion, political inclination, to participate in the funeral and burial ceremonies to once again portray an image of national unity and loyalty to the lofty ideals of the Islamic establishment.

Earlier in the day, the commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Major General Ali Abdollahi, issued a message saying the Headquarters and the General Staff of the Armed Forces called on the Iranian nation, particularly the young generation, to have an “enthusiastic, epic, and unprecedented” presence in the farewell, funeral, and burial ceremonies of the martyred Leader and his family members to display a lasting manifestation of Iranian unity.