Leader Commends Late President Raeisi’s Commitment to Public Service on Martyrdom Anniversary
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Ummah and Oppressed, has commended the late President Ebrahim Raeisi for his unwavering commitment to serving the country. He remarked that Raeisi viewed himself as sharing the same rank as the citizens, often considering himself as holding an even lower position.
Ayatollah Khamenei delivered his comments at the Imam Khomeini Hosseiniyeh in Tehran on Tuesday during the ceremony marking the first anniversary of the martyrdom of the former president.
The Leader commended Raeisi for not viewing himself as superior to the populace, highlighting his dedication to his official responsibilities and emphasizing his commitment to equality with those he serves.
On May 19, 2024, Raeisi tragically perished in a helicopter crash in Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province. The accident also resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking officials, including former Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.
A Bell 212 helicopter, departing from a dam inauguration event, lost communication approximately 30 minutes after takeoff. The subsequent crash into a mountain was attributed to dense fog conditions.
The subsequent day, investigators located the wreckage, finding no indication of mechanical malfunction or any signs of foul play.
The event triggered a wave of global sympathy and support.
Ayatollah Khamenei has lauded Raeisi for his attributes, describing him as having “a humble heart” along with “a sincere and straightforward discourse” and demonstrating “tireless and continuous action.”
The event was marked by the presence of high-ranking government officials, including the leaders of the nation’s executive, judicial, and legislative branches. Families of martyrs and other citizens also attended the ceremony.
Among those present were the children of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the former esteemed secretary-general of Lebanon’s Hezbollah resistance movement, who was killed in Israeli attacks on Beirut last year.
In the lead-up to the anniversary, numerous domestic and international officials have delivered heartfelt tributes honoring Raeisi’s legacy.
Iran’s intelligence minister, Esmaeil Khatib, reiterated that strengthening the positions of Raeisi and Amir-Abdollahian would be achieved through a confrontational stance against the United States and Israel, alongside ongoing support for resistance efforts.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi paid tribute to the legacy of the martyrs, highlighting that the foreign policy principles set forth by Raeisi and Amir-Abdollahian continue to influence Iran’s current diplomatic approach.
In a gesture of homage, Masoud Pezeshkian traveled to the sacred city of Mashhad to pay a visit to the mother of Raeisi.
The first anniversary of Raeisi’s martyrdom evokes reflections on the sacrifices made in the pursuit of maintaining Iran’s sovereignty, a critical objective that was dutifully and dedicatedly upheld during the tenure of the former president.
The ceremony reflects Raeisi’s dedication to the principles of justice, defiance, and advocacy for the oppressed, ideals that he has ardently promoted throughout his life.
Ahead of the upcoming anniversary, Hezbollah’s current Secretary-General, Sheikh Naeim Qassem, praised Raeisi, describing him as “a distinguished figure whose resolute positions remained unchanged by the influence of power.”
“Palestine held a special place in the heart of Martyr Raeisi,” stated Qassem.
