File Photo: Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, AFP
The late Iranian leader was killed on the first day of the US-Israeli war on Iran on 28 February. His body was laid to rest at dawn on Friday in the Iranian city of Mashhad, concluding six days of ceremonies.
Khamenei said those responsible for the assassination had been identified and would not escape accountability, adding that seeking retribution for his father and others killed in the recent conflict was "an irrevocable national demand" that would continue regardless of circumstances.
He accused the US and Israel of being “criminal and dishonourable assassins,” and vowed revenge “for the blood of all the martyrs of these two wars, from the shameful, criminal killers.”
Khamenei added that “These criminals, whose names are listed in full from beginning to end, will take to their graves the wish to die peacefully in their beds.”
The written message, published by the official IRNA news agency, was issued after the funeral and burial ceremonies concluded in Iran and Iraq. Khamenei thanked the “tens of millions” of mourners who attended ceremonies in Tehran, Qom, Mashhad, Najaf, and Karbala, saying the turnout demonstrated national unity.
Addressing his late father directly, Khamenei pledged to preserve his legacy and continue the course he had charted, saying Iran would remain committed to its objectives despite hardship.
He also said people “seeking freedom” around the world would eventually play a role in carrying out the mission of avenging those killed.
Khamenei described his father's life and death as being guided by the ideals of Imam Hussein and said his killing had strengthened support for the Islamic Revolution.
He also paid tribute to relatives and companions who were killed alongside his father, praising their sacrifices and praying for them.
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