“The valor of the Islamic fighters and the honor of the courageous people in the southern regions (of Iran) in recent days are examples of this reality, the Leader said in a message on July 17, 2026, regarding the great epic of the farewell to Martyr Imam Khamenei, as well as an elaboration on key issues of the country.

The following is the full text of his message, according to the rahbar.ir website:

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

To the magnanimous, extraordinary nation of Iran!

Greetings, salutations, and thanks to you. Through your unparalleled, historic epic, which was manifested in your unprecedented rising up to bid farewell to Iran’s martyred Leader, you’ve established a new benchmark in the manifestation of bi’tha and the resolute will of our Islamic-Iranian identity. You have demonstrated this through your magnificent appreciation, loyalty, insight, and extraordinary devotion to the Leader of the Islamic Ummah and the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution.

The warmth of your ardent hearts, your tearful eyes, and the steadfast determination of the tens of millions of people who stretched across tens of kilometers in Tehran, Qom, Mashhad, and other cities and villages, have filled the friends of the Iranian nation and the free people of the world with admiration, while throwing the arrogant enemies of Iran into astonishment, bewilderment, rage, and fright.

Coinciding with this historic epic, the repeated breaches of the agreement by the Great Satan (the US) regarding the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the Presidents of Iran and the United States have once again laid bare a fundamental truth: the signature of the US President is utterly worthless and devoid of credibility. It further reaffirms that coercion, totalitarianism, and brutality are inseparable components of the US creed and doctrine.

Today, the Great Satan has once again revealed its true, unmasked face, so that this dark episode of criminality and broken promises serves as yet another indisputable testament to the US’s deceitfulness, irrationality, unreliability, and malicious nature.

Now that the American enemy is seeking to escalate the conflict thereby incurring even heavier costs and further humiliation, it should know that the noble nation of Iran and the Resistance Front have unforgettable lessons in store for it. The valor of the Islamic fighters and the honor of the courageous people in the southern regions in recent days are examples of this reality.

It's necessary to tell you, the loyal, proud people of Iran, that one of the most fundamental imperatives at this juncture is to steadfastly uphold the united front and sacred unity throughout all levels of society, among officials, and in all spheres in order to realize the lofty ideals of the Islamic Revolution and to protect the dignity and independence of our beloved Iran, particularly in the face of the criminal, cunning US enemy.

As has been repeatedly, emphatically emphasized in the past, safeguarding this unity and refraining from division, discord, political disputes, and increases in social differences is everyone’s duty. To this end, the role of officials and people who care and are concerned about the Revolution, Imam (Khomeini), and the martyred Leader, is of more importance and sensitivity in ensuring the cohesion and solidarity of the nation.

Accordingly, our noble nation, while maintaining its trust in the dedicated officials in all three branches of government – whose efforts for the welfare and prosperity of the people are clearly evident – will remain vigilant and actively engaged in the arena to ensure the safety of Islamic Iran's interests.

It’s entirely possible that certain individuals, with absolute sincerity and out of a genuine goodwill, may have some criticisms regarding the performance of certain officials. In my view, while such dedication and concern for the system is a valuable asset – much like the individuals themselves – and is inherently desirable, these dear people, some of whom have outstanding insight, must exercise caution. They must ensure that this approach does not, first, cause injustice with regard to the innocent, as such injustice itself becomes a source depriving one from (God’s) blessings and grace. Second, they must be careful it doesn’t fracture our unity and social cohesion. If these points are taken into consideration, criticism will instead increase prosperity and help affairs to advance.

The enemy mustn’t detect any sign of weakness from us, including this particular vulnerability. Whenever we are completely careful about this point, the enemy will inevitably be forced to retreat.

Once again, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to each and every one of our dear people, who are themselves the primary mourners of the martyred father of the Ummah. Despite hardships, certain limitations, and adversities, they’ve forged a historic epic with the momentous farewell ceremony for Iran’s martyred Leader.

I would also like to thank the esteemed maraji' al-taqlid (Religious Authorities); our scholars; intellectuals; elites; people active in areas of culture, society, and politics; as well as the dedicated efforts of our civilian and military institutions. Furthermore, I extend my sincere thanks to the officials and representatives of the triumphant Resistance Front and our glorious Islamic movements for their solidarity and presence.

It's my earnest hope that all those who have participated, shown their solidarity, and shared their heartfelt support in any capacity during this historic epic will be blessed by the grace and special prayers of our Master (Imam Mahdi) – may God hasten his noble reappearance.

Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei

Tir 26, 1405

(July 17, 2026)