TEHRAN – Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah emphasized Iran’s significant role in shaping the region's future while addressing a ceremony in Tehran marking the 40th day since President Ebrahim Raisi's passing in a helicopter crash. 

Speaking via video link from Beirut on Thursday, Nasrallah declared that Iran's decisions extend far beyond its borders, influencing the destinies of regional nations and the Resistance movement. 

"The system of the Islamic Republic of Iran is not only the path and future of the Iranian nation; it is also the future and path of all the nations of the region and a strong fortress against the oppressors, robbers, colonialists, and domination seekers who have filled our land and region with cruelty, oppression, and corruption,” he said. 

Elsewhere in his comments, the resistance leader lauded the Iranian nation’s "unity and calm" in response to the tragic passing of President Raisi, describing it as a model for the world.

"Thank God, the people of Iran became a model for the whole world through their direct presence and how they dealt with the incident with general peace and stability."

Nasrallah said, "Enemies who were lying in wait and talking about riots happening here and there saw with their own eyes that despite all the difficult conditions it faced due to this incident, Iran was calm, stable, unified, and united."

He touched on millions of mourners who took to the streets in Iranian cities to pay their respects to the president and his companions and participate in their funeral processions, saying their huge presence carried a strong message for friends and foes. 

"The friends who were worried when they saw the presence of millions gained confidence and trust, and the enemies who were happy realized that they were facing a nation that was aware and present, that had great insight and loyalty. The funeral was an expression of this great and enormous loyalty."

The helicopter carrying President Raisi and his entourage crashed on May 19 when it was on its way to Tabriz, the capital of Iran’s East Azerbaijan province.

Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, Friday Prayers leader of Tabriz city Mohammad Ali Al-e Hashem, and Malek Rahmati, the governor of East Azarbaijan Province, were also among the deceased. 

Islamic Jihad Leader highlights late president, FM’s contributions to Palestinian resistance

Speaking to reporters during the ceremony, the chief of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement hailed the late Raisi and Amir Abdollahian for their unwavering support of Palestinian resistance factions. 

“Martyr Raisi and martyr Amir-Abdollahian scored significant gains for the resistance and the region and brought the positions of various countries closer to Palestine,” Ziad al-Nakhaleh stated. 

Nakhaleh highlighted President Raisi's vocal defense of Palestine in international forums, noting the lasting impact of his statements. He also specifically mentioned Raisi's and Amir-Abdollahian's staunch support during Israel's ongoing war against Gaza.  

“We will not forget the positions of the Iranian president and his martyred foreign minister in support of Palestine,” the Palestinian figure concluded. 

Raisi, Amir Abdollahian helped defy U.S. hegemony

Also speaking at the memorial ceremony, Brigadier General Esmaeil Qaani, Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, lauded the late president and foreign minister for their unwavering support of resistance movements and their defiance of U.S. hegemony. 

Qaani highlighted President Raisi and Minister Amir Abdollahian’s courage and commitment in defending resistance groups and fighting against U.S. influence. He described Amirabdollahian as "indefatigable and plucky," crediting him with opening a new era in resistance efforts and serving as a powerful voice for the resistance front. 

The general asserted that both martyred officials demonstrated the Islamic Republic's ability to confront major powers, including the U.S., and successfully isolate them. He stressed the effectiveness of their efforts in safeguarding Iran's authority against Israel and the United States, proving that Iran can achieve its objectives without relying on the West.