PNN – A delegation comprising supporters of the Islamic Revolution, members of Islamic centers and institutions, civil society activists, university professors, journalists, and representatives of European anti-imperialist movements has set out for Tehran to attend the magnificent funeral ceremony of the martyred leader and to stand in solidarity with the resilient Iranian nation.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network; diplomatic sources in several European countries reported from London on Thursday that various grassroots and anti-war groups—acting independently of the official stances of European governments—have set out for Iran to attend the Iranian nation’s final farewell to the martyred leader of the Islamic Revolution and to declare their solidarity with the ideals of the Resistance.
One of these sources stated that a delegation from Italy’s “anti-imperialist axis” would arrive in Iran to attend the funeral ceremony of Imam Khamenei and to express solidarity with the Iranian people, who are standing firm and struggling against the alliance of the “Great Satan and the Little Satan.”
According to him, the delegation—comprising researchers, university professors, journalists, representatives of anti-war unions, and supporters of the Islamic Revolution—has set out for Tehran to join the Iranian people in bidding farewell to a leader whose name has for decades been synonymous with the pursuit of independence, resistance against hegemony, and support for the oppressed nations of the world.
Another diplomatic source also announced that visas have been issued to representatives from Islamic centers and institutions in the Netherlands to attend the funeral ceremony of the martyred leader. A group of Iranians residing in the Netherlands, along with a number of Iraqi and Turkish nationals living in the country, have also traveled to Tehran to participate in the ceremony.
Reports from various diplomatic sources in Europe indicate that this movement is not limited to Italy and the Netherlands; representatives of anti-imperialist movements, civil society activists, cultural figures, and members of Muslim communities from across the continent are making their way to Iran to attend the farewell ceremony for the martyred leader.
The movement originating in various European cities manifests the global reach of an ideology that transformed the concepts of national independence, resistance against domination, and the defense of the oppressed into a discourse extending far beyond Iran’s borders. These groups are coming to Tehran not as official state delegations, but as representatives of nations and movements that have long regarded the martyred leader of the Islamic Revolution as the resounding voice of resistance against the system of domination.
The presence of these grassroots convoys comes at a time when Tehran has drawn a clear line between the free-spirited nations and movements of Europe and the governments that stood alongside the aggressors during the difficult days of the invasion.
Esmaeil Baghaei, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, stated that no official invitation has been extended to Europe. Explaining the reason for this decision, he said: The reason for this decision is entirely clear. Those who will attend this funeral ceremony are the ones who have placed themselves on the right side of history. European parties stood on the wrong side of history in both last year’s war and the recent conflict.
He added: The stance taken by European countries regarding the military aggressions of the US and the Zionist regime against Iran was truly shameful. Therefore, we do not believe that the honor of participating in the funeral procession of the Supreme Leader will be granted to those who have sided with the aggressors in various ways—whether through silence or by issuing statements supporting the aggressors.
This stance illustrates the stark contrast between European governments and the peoples of the continent. Governments that remained silent in the face of aggression against Iran—or supported the aggressors under the guise of political statements—have no place in this historic farewell; yet, freedom-loving individuals, peace advocates, and opponents of domination from those very countries have made their way to Tehran to stand alongside the Iranian people.
In addition to civil society representatives and anti-imperialist groups, a wide range of European journalists have also set out for Iran to cover next week’s events. Journalists and media groups from the UK, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, and Austria have arrived in Iran after obtaining visas or are due to travel to Tehran in the coming days.
The extensive presence of international media indicates that the farewell ceremony for the martyred leader has transcended the scope of a national event to become a global one. The world has now turned its gaze toward Iran to chronicle the final tribute to a leader who steered the Islamic Republic through one of the most turbulent periods of contemporary history and kept the banner of resistance against the coercion of hegemonic powers held high.
Ali-Akbar Pourjamshidian, Secretary of the National Committee for the Farewell and Funeral Ceremonies of the martyred leader, had previously announced that senior officials and heads of state from over 30 countries—at various levels—as well as scholars, scientists, and religious leaders from more than 90 countries, have formally requested to attend and pay their respects to the sacred remains of the martyred leader.
According to him, large popular convoys from neighboring countries—including Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan—have also announced their readiness to participate in this ceremony, and the necessary arrangements for their large-scale attendance are being made by the committee for international affairs within the headquarters.
The secretary of the national committee for the funeral and farewell ceremonies of the martyred leader of the Revolution announced that the official, centralized ceremony for heads of state, high-ranking officials, religious leaders, and scholars from around the world to pay their respects to the martyred leader’s sacred remains will be held in Tehran, alongside ceremonies for the general public.