Baghaei: Martyred Leader Dedicated His Life to Iran's Dignity, Independence

IQNA – Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei thanks international journalists and media activists for covering the funeral ceremony of martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei.

News ID: 3498147

Date: 08 July 2026 - 12:41

"You have chosen to become part of history," he said during gathering of international journists in Tehran on Tuesday. "By covering one of the largest and most enduring public ceremonies in the world, you have chosen to stand on the right side of history."

Baghaei criticized Western mainstream media for misleading coverage of the event.

"Some Western media outlets claimed that the government had forced millions of people into the streets to attend the ceremony," he said. "This is consistent with the same stereotypes and negative narratives they have promoted about Iran for decades, portraying the country as a dictatorship isolated from both its own people and the world. What you have witnessed, however, is the reality of a civilization-building nation that has freely chosen to stand united, steadfast, and determined against aggression, brutality, and injustice."

He said Iranians had never been "more proud, confident, and united," adding that they take pride in living in a country that has been guided for the past 37 years by a leader who taught them self-reliance, perseverance, and unity in the face of foreign domination and aggression.

Describing Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei as "a man of virtue," Baghaei said the Leader devoted his life to divine and human values and defended Iran's sovereignty against foreign interference.

"If we speak about resistance and the Axis of Resistance, we are in fact speaking about one of the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter, the right of peoples to self determination," he said. "Defending the right to self-determination means opposing occupation, foreign domination, apartheid, and racism. Every UN member state has an obligation to support liberation movements pursuing that legitimate right. Therefore, our Leader defended not only Iran's sovereignty but also the core principles of modern international law."

Baghaei said Western governments failed to uphold international humanitarian law during the imposed war against Iran.

"International humanitarian law was slaughtered during this war," he said. "Many innocent Iranians were massacred in Minab and Lamard. The attack on the residence of our Supreme Leader constituted a clear war crime, during which four members of his family, including two women and a young child, were martyred. Those who truly claim to defend international law and human rights should not have remained silent, because indifference to injustice makes one complicit."

He also criticized Europe and the United States for their double standards.

"Western countries portray themselves as champions of human rights and international law, but in reality they became accomplices in violating those very principles," he said. "The principle of sovereignty was gravely undermined when the United States and the Zionist regime attacked Iran twice in less than nine months. Europe owes Iran an explanation because it failed to defend the values it claims to uphold, namely the rule of law and international humanitarian law."

Baghaei said Ayatollah Khamenei "belongs not only to Iran, nor only to Shiites or Muslims, but to humanity," arguing that he stood for universal human values and freedom.

"That is why people from different backgrounds came to pay their respects despite pressure from the United States and others to stay away," he said.

Referring to the massive procession, Baghaei said the Iranian people demonstrated both grief and discipline.

"Despite their sorrow and anger, millions took to the streets while displaying extraordinary order and discipline. This is what an ancient civilization looks like. We are proud of our nation, our Leader, and the principles of our Revolution, which taught us to rely on ourselves and remain united in the face of unlawful aggression."

He described the funeral ceremony as "a manifestation of Iran's dignity and national strength."

"Although we are mourning, we are equally proud of our Leader's path and legacy. Iran today stands stronger and more dignified than ever before," he said.

Baghaei also highlighted the role of artists in documenting the historic event.

"Art is the best means of preserving this reality. The work of artists who have captured this historic moment from an aesthetic perspective will help ensure that this great national epic is remembered."

Concluding the speech, he identified the late Leader's emphasis on dignity and national independence as one of his defining characteristics.

"The pursuit of dignity is a universal human aspiration," he said. "Just as political independence is essential for nations, dignity and honor are fundamental for every individual. This, along with his firm rejection of oppression and arrogance, is one of the reasons why people around the world were drawn to his legacy."

Source: Mfa.ir