Leader Rekindles Iran’s Invincibility on Ashura Night
TEHRAN -- An Ashura night mourning ceremony took place in the Husseiniyeh of Imam Khomeini in Tehran Saturday, attended by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and a large gathering of people from various walks of life.
The themes of resistance and perseverance against oppression in the wake of the 12-day Israeli aggression on Iran featured in the remarks of Hojjatoleslam Masoud A’ali who addressed the event, underscoring the importance of the lessons from the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS).
He described the Iranian resistance as part of a broader global movement, positioning Islamic Iran as the “axis” of a global front under the guidance of Ayatollah Khamenei against the “false front” led by global Zionism.
“Drawing from the teachings of Ashura, the Iranian nation will never surrender to the false front, because it has adopted the slogan ‘Never to humiliation’ as its guiding principle,” he said.
Ayatollah Khamenei did not deliver a speech at the event but according to the attendees, he called prominent eulogist Mahmoud Karimi over and whispered something in his ear.
As he began his eulogy, Karimi shared with the audience, “His Eminence told me to recite this: ‘You will remain in my soul and heart, O homeland...’”
Attendees and officials alike praised the Leader’s composed and dignified participation—characterized by unwavering courage and serenity—as heralding a powerful message of unity and resilience and a source of both tranquility and strength for the Iranian nation.
President Masoud Pezeshkian wrote on X, “The Hussainia of ‘Iran’ stands eternal and strong.” He echoed lines from the patriotic hymn “O Iran”, urging: “In every heart and soul, you live on, dear homeland. #Sing Ey_Iran.”
Vice President Muhammad-Reza Aref shared a clip on Instagram showing Mahmoud Karimi leading the crowd in “O Divine Iran” beside the Leader. He wrote: “United for Iran and motherland, the people of Imam Husseini Iran will not let the dark plots of Iran’s enemies come to pass.”
Muhammad-Jafar Qa’emipour, Acting Head of the Presidential Office, retweeted the President’s post on X, adding: “The Zionist enemy’s wicked plot was dashed by the nation’s extraordinary unity. National, religious, and Ashura culture are inseparable pillars of Iran’s enduring strength.”
Muhammad-Javad Zarif, former Foreign Minister, commented on X: “The fearless presence of the Supreme Leader at a public mourning rally shattered the fabricated narratives circulated by paid pundits.”
He added: “It’s time to wake up and recognize that Iranians will never submit. Stand with the right side of history, and never threaten Iran.”
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted from Brazil where he was attending a BRICS summit: “The most beautiful image I encountered since arriving in Brazil: ‘With you, one can sail the seas.’”
Reforming politician Muhammad-Ali Abtahi wrote on X: “He came—along with Iran. Amid the peak of psychological warfare from the enemies, this moment—his presence and visibility—was the greatest solace.”
Ismail Baqaei, Foreign Ministry spokesman, noted: “Sing for Iran—historians will record that Muharram 1404 marked a beautiful devotion that reinforced a 1,400-year legacy defending the sanctity of Iran.”
He added that the night of Ashura 1404 symbolized the union of Islam’s Ali lineage and the Iranian nation, as Ali (AS)’s son requested from the eulogist: “Sing O Iran.”
Muhammad Eslami, Head of the Atomic Energy Organization, posted on Instagram: “The echoes of ‘O Iran’ rose from the depths of hearts—May Iran remain untouched by hands of malice, secure under the shadow of Haider (Imam Ali).”
Ali Akbar Velayati, International Affairs Advisor to the Leader, posted poetry celebrating the spiritual revival of the nation.
Es’haq Jahangiri, former Vice President, emphasized that the Leader’s entrance into the mourning ceremony, combined with a recitation for Iran, reflected bravery, wisdom, and profound love for the country.
Mohsen Rezaee, Secretary of the Economic Coordination Council, wrote: “Last night, as we saw the Leader’s solid stance, we understood that the foundation of our nation stands firm—no storm can shake this tent. America cannot do anything.”
Alireza Zakani, Tehran’s Mayor, described the ceremony as one of the Hussainia’s most historic hours: “On the unforgettable night of Ashura 1447, the Leader embodied peace, trust, courage, devotion, patriotism, and the soul of the Iranian nation.”
Members of parliament, in separate statements, hailed the Leader as the “Leader of Ashura,” saying his powerful presence strengthened the cause of truth and justice.
The widespread sharing of posts and videos from the event affirmed the ceremony as a defining moment of national solidarity and spiritual fortitude.