Iran’s army chief Major General Amir Hatami has called on citizens to attend the farewell ceremony for the late revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an attack attributed to the United States and Israel. In a statement issued Thursday, Hatami said the assassination was a tragedy not only for Iran but also for Muslims and freedom-seeking people worldwide. He emphasized that the Iranian people would never bow to enemies.

Hatami stated that the attackers had hoped to break the nation’s spirit, but instead, Iranians had become more united and determined. He described Khamenei as a symbol of courage and resistance who never abandoned the path of defiance until his final moments. The army chief urged citizens to reaffirm their commitment to the late leader’s ideals by joining the funeral and farewell events.

He added that a strong public turnout would send a clear message to adversaries that under new leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran would continue on the same path of resistance.