TEHRAN - In a poignant and sorrowful display, the people of Tehran gathered in overwhelming numbers to participate in the funeral ceremony for the late President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian.

The air was thick with grief as mourners from every corner of the city came together to honor their martyred president and foreign minister. Their presence and collective sorrow spoke volumes, reflecting a deep sense of loss and reverence for the men who had served their nation with such dedication. The streets echoed with heartfelt tributes, as the populace expressed their profound mourning and unwavering respect for President Raisi and Minister Amir Abdollahian.

In a stirring display of collective grief and solidarity, the streets of Tehran overflowed with mourners on Wednesday morning, an hour before the official commencement of the funeral ceremony. The unprecedented turnout was a testament to the profound impact of the late president on the Iranian people.

Long before the ceremony's start, a sea of sorrowful citizens moved toward Tehran University, their voices echoing with chants that conveyed their deep mourning for President Raisi. From all walks of life, they gathered to offer prayers over his body, united in their grief.

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, led the funeral prayers for the late president and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, with prominent Iranian officials and military commanders in attendance. The solemnity of the moment was palpable as the nation bade farewell to its esteemed figures.

Following the prayers, the funeral procession commenced from Tehran University to Azadi Square. Thousands of Tehranians, enduring hours under the scorching sun, lined the streets to pay their last respects. Heartfelt messages adorned their hands, bearing inscriptions like "I am proud that I voted for a martyr," "We will not forget the servant of the nation," and "Our chosen one was chosen by God."

This historic gathering not only honored the legacy of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian but also underscored the enduring bond between the figures and the people they served with unwavering dedication.

Iranian figures praise late President Raisi’s legacy of humility and service

Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani has underscored the guiding principles of the late President Ebrahim Raisi, emphasizing his dedication to serving the Iranian people.

Speaking on the sidelines of President Raisi's funeral ceremony on Wednesday, General Ashtiani reflected on the legacy of the revered president.

"President Raisi's foremost recommendations included unwavering service to the people, sincerity, and courage," he remarked, praising Martyr Raisi's embodiment of these values.

The general noted that President Raisi's leadership was characterized by a profound sense of duty, faith, and belief.

General Ashtiani highlighted that throughout his tenure, President Raisi was committed to the welfare and development of Iran. "Every moment of his life was dedicated to the service and comfort of the people, and the progress and development of our nation," the general stated. 

He added that President Raisi's lifelong devotion and sincere efforts were ultimately rewarded by the Almighty God.

Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy, has paid tribute to the late President Ebrahim Raisi, emphasizing his grassroots approach, tireless work ethic, and deep commitment to the principles of velayat.

Tangsiri highlighted the essential qualities that Raisi embodied. "The next president must possess the attributes of this noble martyr, including a deep love for velayat, tirelessness, and a strong grassroots connection," he stated.

He also commended the late Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, acknowledging his dignified and noble conduct during his tenure, noting that Amir Abdollahian's diplomatic efforts strengthened the Islamic Republic's foreign relations, even rekindling ties with some regional countries.

The remarks underscore the significant impact both Raisi and Amir Abdollahian had on Iran's political landscape and their enduring legacies of dedication and service.

Ali Akbar Ahmadian, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, has praised the late President Ebrahim Raisi for introducing a new style of governance and management. 

Ahmadian emphasized that his legacy will be remembered for his dedicated service to the Iranian nation.

"President Raisi demonstrated through his actions that he was a true servant of the Iranian people," Ahmadian remarked. "He has left behind a distinctive approach to governance and management that will be remembered and emulated by future leaders."

Ahmadian also highlighted the contributions of the late Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, noting his unique ability to merge diplomatic protocol with the principles of the Islamic Revolution. 

"Amir Abdollahian was a voice for the oppressed on the global stage and effectively combined field operations with political strategy," Ahmadian stated, referring to him as the "foreign minister of the field."

Former Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani has highlighted the reasons behind the widespread admiration for Martyr Ebrahim Raisi, noting his exemplary morals and humility. "The late president's humble demeanor will remain etched in the memory of the Iranian nation," Larijani stated.

Mohsen Rezaei, head of the Supreme Council of Economic Coordination, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Raisi's morality, piety, deep devotion to velayat, and dedication to serving the people as his defining qualities.

Mohammad Hosseini, sociocultural advisor to the President, praised Raisi as a model of efficient management. "Martyr Raisi was a compassionate figure who tirelessly worked for the betterment of the Iranian people," Hosseini remarked.

Ali Akbar Salehi, former Chief of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, reflected on the enduring legacy of Raisi and the late Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian. He described their contributions as "a good name and a method of serving the people."

The funeral processions for Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian began on Tuesday and will continue until Friday. 

The two officials, who tragically died in a plane crash earlier this week near the northwestern city of Tabriz, will be laid to rest in their respective hometowns.

The nation mourns the loss of these prominent figures, whose deaths, along with those of their entourage, have sent shockwaves through Iran and the world. 

The ceremonies mark a period of national grief and reflection on the contributions and legacies of Raisi and Amir Abdollahian.