TEHRAN-Iranian cultural officials and artists have reacted to the martyrdom of the Lebanese Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah who was martyred in the Israeli massive air strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut on Friday night.

The Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Seyyed Abbas Salehi issued a message in which he offered condolences and congratulations on the martyrdom of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, ISNA reported.

“The tireless fighter, the master of resistance, and the symbol of steadfastness against the longstanding oppression of the criminal Zionist regime, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah embraced the glory of martyrdom and joined his numerous companions after decades of struggle and years of leadership in the liberation movement of resistance,” the minister said in the message.

“This eternal martyr, inspired by the school of sacrifice and martyrdom and influenced by the transformative teachings of the late founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini (RA), carried the heavy burden of resisting the expansionist desires of the occupying tyrants for many years and never showed a sign of surrender,” the message continued.

“Without a doubt, his path will be followed with greater momentum and stronger steps by the brave fighters of Hezbollah and the resistance forces across the region. The dawn is not far off to witness the fulfillment of the divine promise, the eradication of oppressors, and the downfall of the tyrants and their oppressive supporters”.

The minister concluded his message by praying to the Almighty for the ultimate victory for those who follow Nasrallah’s bright path.

Mehdi Ramezani, the Secretary-General of the Iran Public Libraries Foundation, also extended his condolences on the assassination of the Hezbollah leader in a message: “Truly, that active leader, with his unparalleled command over three decades of harsh and exhausting challenges, both safeguarded the independence and territorial integrity of Lebanon against the threats and chaos of foreign aggression and courageously led the struggle against the bloodthirsty and illegitimate Zionist regime, while also offering faithful support and defense for the oppressed people of Palestine”.

“Nasrallah’s pure intentions in this perilous path were such that he sacrificed even his own life, alongside the people of that land, for the sake of his sacred ideals. His way of life and his thoughts remain a guide for all the freedom-seekers of the world”.

In a statement, the Art Bureau wrote: “The Resistance Front is in mourning today; mourning the martyrdom of a man who conquered the towering peaks of jihad one after another; a brave warrior who dedicated his entire life to fighting absolute evil and attained the honor of martyrdom in this path”.

“The unjust martyrdom of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has opened a new path before the Resistance Front. Let the enemies of this front know that Hezbollah is alive, and if a soldier from the Resistance achieves the glory of martyrdom in this decisive battle, the path of resistance will continue stronger than ever,” the message continued.

“The artists of the Islamic Revolution share the deep grief of the noble Lebanese people in this monumental loss and declare their readiness to contribute in the new phase of jihad against the tyrannical Zionist regime”.

In another message, the Iran Cinema Organization, while expressing its disgust and condemning the crimes of the Zionist regime, offered condolences for the martyrdom of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

“He was a faithful and courageous mujahid, a man who faced difficult trials. He was a valiant fighter who stood proudly for the dignity and pride of the Islamic world, like an iron wall against the aggressive and devilish Zionist regime for several decades. Throughout these years, he was a thorn in the side of the enemies of the Islamic ummah”.

“Now, committed artists and filmmakers can contribute to his path by illustrating, narrating, and portraying the harsh realities of the blood-stained history of the usurping Zionist regime and its insane crimes to the world.”

The Documentary, Experimental and Animation Film Center; Owj Arts and Media Organization, Art Credit Fund, and Farabi Cinema Foundation were among the organizations condoling the martyrdom of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

Furthermore, several cineastes and artists have reacted to the tragic incident. Well-known filmmaker Ebrahim Hatamikia wrote a eulogy, stating in part: “The sound and camera are off, but your movement continues. Sayyed is alive. The path of resistance is alive”.

Veteran filmmaker Jamal Shurjeh also wrote a heartfelt note: “Blood triumphs over the sword. Martyrdom is the art of God's men. The sighs and sorrows are for us, but the green path of Islam continues until the advent [of the Savior Imam Mahdi (AS)], God willing”.

The social media also witnessed many reactions from artists and cultural figures including producers Mahmoud Razavi and Mohammad Hossein Ghasemi; filmmakers Babak Lotfi Khajepasha and Masoud Dehnamaki; TV show hosts Mozhdeh Lavasani and Najmeddin Shariati; actor Seyyed Ali Salehi, and cartoonist Masoud Shojaei Tabatabaei were among the figures reacting to Nasrallah’s assassination.

On Sunday, the latest mural at Valiasr Square was unveiled, depicting an image of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah with the sentences “Surely, the help of God is near,” and “O victorious one, bring death”.

Born in 1960 in Beirut, Nasrallah was elected the secretary general of Hezbollah in February 1992 after the assassination of Sayyed Abbas Mousavi.

He was the third secretary general of Hezbollah which was established in 1982. Nasrallah was one of the founders of the liberation movement.

The Hezbollah movement turned into a regional power under his leadership that succeeded in driving out Israel from southern Lebanon in 2000.

According to the announcement by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, cinema and theater halls across the country are closed for five days. All the concerts have also been postponed till further announcement.

Photo: The new mural at Valiasr Square was unveiled on Sunday, depicting an image of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah with the sentences “Surely, the help of God is near” and “O victorious one, bring death”.

SS/SAB