“As an epic-spirited Iran prepares to bid farewell to this loyal servant of Islam and the Revolution, I call upon all the noble people of our country—regardless of ethnicity, religion, personal preference, or political affiliation—to participate with fervor, resolve, and a historic presence in the funeral and burial ceremony of this martyred leader, thereby once again demonstrating an enduring display of national unity and loyalty to the lofty ideals of the Islamic system,” Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian wrote in a statement posted to Telegram by Iranian state outlet Tasnim News, translated by The Hill.
“Your massive turnout will serve as a decisive response to the logic of terror and violence, and will not waver our resolve,” the statement adds.
Millions of Shi’ite Muslims are expected to attend the funeral ceremonies, including travelers from Iraq, Lebanon, and Pakistan. An estimated 10 million people turned out for the funeral of Iran’s first Supreme Leader, Ruhollah Khomeini, in 1989. The crush of mourners led to at least eight people being trampled to death, according to the Associated Press.
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