NewKerala.com

Iran Holds Funerals for Slain Officials Larijani, Soleimani Amid Tensions

Iran is conducting state funerals in Tehran for top security official Ali Larijani and Basij forces chief Major General Gholamreza Soleimani, as well as for sailors killed from the IRIS Dena vessel. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that Iran's political infrastructure is a "very solid structure" and will not suffer a fatal blow from the loss of individuals. He emphasized that the escalating regional conflict was started by the United States, which must be held accountable for all consequences. Araghchi also referenced the prior loss of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, noting the system continued to function despite such national tragedies.

Key Points: Iran Funerals for Ali Larijani, Gholamreza Soleimani in Tehran

  • State funerals held in Tehran
  • FM says political structure remains solid
  • US blamed for starting regional war
  • Loss of individuals doesn't cripple system
  • Ceremony also honors slain sailors
2 min read

Iran holds funerals for Ali Larijani, Basij Chief Gholamreza Soleimani in Tehran

Iran holds state funerals for top officials Ali Larijani and Basij chief Gholamreza Soleimani as FM Araghchi asserts political structure remains solid.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has a strong political structure with established political, economic, and social institutions. - Abbas Araghchi"

Tehran, March 18

A funeral ceremony is underway in Tehran on Wednesday for top security official, Ali Larijani, and head of the Basij forces, Major General Gholamreza Soleimani, according to the Iranian state media Press TV.

According to Press TV, Iran is holding funerals for Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani, as well as for the slain sailors of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena.

The ceremony is taking place in Tehran as the country mourns the loss of top officials and sailors.

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had asserted that the political infrastructure of the nation remains a "very solid structure" and will not suffer a "fatal blow to Iran's leadership" following the confirmed killing of Ali Larijani.

"I do not know why the Americans and the Israelis still have not understood this point: The Islamic Republic of Iran has a strong political structure with established political, economic, and social institutions," Araghchi said.

The Foreign Minister emphasised that the "presence or absence of a single individual does not affect this structure." He noted that while "individuals are influential, and each person plays their role--some better, some worse, some less--but what matters is that the political system in Iran is a very solid structure."

Araghchi highlighted the earlier loss of the country's former supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the initial phase of US-Israeli strikes on 28 February. He remarked that despite the immense national loss, "the system continued" to function.

Araghchi reiterated that the escalating conflict across the region was not initiated by Tehran. "I will repeat: This war is not our war," the minister stated. "We did not start it. The United States started it and is responsible for all the consequences of this war--human and financial--whether for Iran, for the region, or for the entire world," Araghchi said, adding that "the United States must be held accountable."

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Reading this from India, it's a stark reminder of how fragile global peace is. The minister saying "This war is not our war" is something every nation caught in geopolitics says. The real question is, who de-escalates? The US and Iran need to find a diplomatic channel, for the sake of the entire region, including us.
A
Aman W
The assertion that the political structure is solid is interesting. From an outside perspective, losing top officials and even a former supreme leader in strikes would cripple most governments. It shows remarkable resilience, or perhaps, a system where individuals are indeed replaceable parts. Deeply concerning situation all around.
S
Sarah B
My heart goes out to the families of the sailors. Soldiers paying the ultimate price is a universal tragedy. India has always advocated for peaceful resolution of conflicts. This escalating tension is bad for global trade, energy security, and obviously, for human lives. World leaders need to step up.
V
Vikram M
While I understand the need for a strong national narrative, the Foreign Minister's comments feel a bit rehearsed. It's important to project strength, but genuine mourning and a clear path to avoid further loss should be the priority. The focus on "structure" shouldn't overshadow the human cost. Just my two cents.
K
Karthik V
This directly impacts us. Any major conflict in the Middle East sends oil prices soaring and affects our economy. India has significant interests and a large diaspora in the region. We need a stable Iran and a peaceful Gulf. Hope our diplomacy is working overtime behind the scenes.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50