On the fortieth day following the martyrdom of Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Leader of the Islamic Revolution, along with several of his companions, a large-scale ceremony is being held in Tehran with widespread public participation.

The ceremony, which began moments ago in an atmosphere of deep sorrow, has drawn various segments of society and mourning processions into the streets to honor the memory of their fallen leader.

Processions arrived one after another. Flags bearing the names “Ya Hossein,” “Ya Zeynab,” and “Ya Abolfazl” waved in the wind, while eulogists, their voices heavy with emotion, spoke of injustice and blood unjustly shed.

Yet what stood out most in Tehran’s streets today was not merely grief—it was the spirit of resistance.

Every few minutes, the crowd’s chants rose:

“Death to America”

“Death to Israel”

“Death to Zionism”

“This vast host has come, drawn by love for the Leader”

“Hossein, Hossein is our slogan; martyrdom is our honor”

These were not empty slogans, but cries rising from the depths of a people who had transformed the streets into a scene of renewed allegiance—an allegiance to sacrifice, to resistance, and to a path they believe does not end with martyrdom.

Throughout the route, young people could be seen wearing headbands inscribed with “Ya Zahra” and “Ya Hossein.” Teenagers, fists clenched, shouted and wept—suggesting that a new generation of resolve was being born.

Today, on the fortieth day, Tehran was not only in mourning—it became a creator of epic narrative. Amid tears and chants, the capital reenacted, in its own streets, a reflection of Ashura in Karbala—one in which the people demonstrated that wherever injustice exists and innocent blood is shed, Ashura lives again.

Terrorist Attack and Beginning of 40-Day War

This ceremony takes place nearly forty days after the brutal and terrorist attack by the United States and the Zionist regime against Iranian territory.

On February 28, 2026 (9 Esfand 1404), the Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, along with several members of his family and a number of senior military officials, was targeted in this attack and attained martyrdom.

This act marked the beginning of a forty-day war against Iran, which ultimately led—through the sacrifice of the nation’s defenders and the exemplary vigilance and unity of the people—to an agreement on a two-week ceasefire.

Mass Public Support for Armed Forces

Throughout the forty-day war, people from all walks of life, men and women, young and old, across diverse backgrounds, took to the streets and main squares day and night, declaring their full support for the armed forces, including the IRGC, Basij, and Army. This large-scale presence symbolized national unity and steadfast resistance.

Arbaeen Ceremony Continues Until Tonight

Today as well, beginning at 9:40 a.m.—the exact time of the martyrdom of the Leader and his companions—people in Tehran once again filled the streets in organized groups and mourning processions to commemorate their fallen leader.

This large-scale ceremony will continue until 8:00 p.m. tonight.

IRGC Statement on 40th Day of Leader’s Martyrdom

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps emphasized that the resistance and unity of the Iranian nation, together with all pillars of the Islamic system, alongside one hundred decisive and offensive strikes delivered by Iran’s armed forces against American and Zionist aggressors, and their humiliating retreats, constitute part of the outcomes attributed to the sacrifices and legacy of Imam Khamenei.

Full text of the statement:

In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

“Among the faithful are men who have been true to their covenant with God; some have fulfilled their vow, and others await, and they have not altered their commitment in the least.” (Qur’an 33:23)

Proud nation of Iran,

The fortieth day since the dignified and resolute martyrdom of the central figure of the Islamic Revolution, Grand Ayatollah Imam Khamenei, has arrived.

There is no doubt that the loss of this leader is deeply painful. Yet enduring this absence has been made possible through the continuation of his path, the reaffirmation of national strength, and the expectation, rooted in belief, of an end to domination in the region through the legacy of his sacrifice.

His martyrdom proved as consequential as his life in advancing the Islamic Republic. Indeed, it gave rise to a renewed awakening among the Iranian people.

The unity and resistance of the Iranian nation, alongside the decisive actions of the armed forces and the retreat of opposing forces in this imposed war, are presented as outcomes of that legacy.

His thought, discourse, conduct, and directives, centered on resistance, independence, progress, justice, unity, opposition to oppression, and spirituality, form a comprehensive framework for governance.

In closing, the statement honors the memory of the martyred leader, members of his family, and senior military commanders, and declares a renewed commitment to continue his path with strength and determination.

The IRGC further affirms that his legacy, path, and the pursuit of justice for those killed will continue under the current leadership.