Pashinyan's attendance at Khamenei's farewell ceremonies reflects enduring Armenia-Iran ties, ambassador says

The participation of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in the farewell ceremonies for Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei reflects the enduring ties and special relationship between Armenia and Iran, Iranian Ambassador to Armenia Khalil Shirgholami said.

Speaking at a press conference at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Yerevan on July 8, titled "Until the Last Moment, for the Homeland," Shirgholami said the farewell and funeral ceremonies for the late Iranian leader were attended at the highest level by senior officials from 41 countries as well as the heads of four regional and international organizations.

According to the ambassador, the raised fist of the late leader became the symbol of the mourning ceremonies, representing the continuation of Iran's path of dignity and resilience.

"From our neighboring and friendly country, the Republic of Armenia, we witnessed the presence of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the high-level delegation he led at the final farewell ceremony for the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This speaks to the enduring ties and the special nature of relations between our two countries. I consider it my duty to express my gratitude and appreciation for the presence of the Armenian delegation. It once again confirms the existing ties between our countries, the human bonds between our peoples, and the need to further strengthen and expand those relations," Shirgholami said.

The ambassador recalled that the late Iranian leader had held Armenia in high regard and often referred to it as Iran's "honest neighbor."

He added that Khamenei also showed special respect toward the Armenian community in Iran and regularly visited Armenian families, particularly those whose sons had been killed during the Iran-Iraq War.

"He consistently emphasized the importance of Armenian-Iranian friendship," Shirgholami said.

The ambassador expressed hope that the late leader's ideas and vision would continue to serve as a guiding light for the development of Armenia-Iran relations and the implementation of major joint initiatives in the future.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in U.S. and Israeli strikes on February 28. He had led Iran for 37 years, succeeding the founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini, in 1989. Iranian authorities declared 40 days of national mourning and seven days of public holidays following his death.