President Ebrahim Raisi’s death has been met by muted mourning and furtive celebration as government loyalists packed into mosques and squares to pray for Raisi.
Others were seen celebrating in the streets as they gave out sweets.
Most shops remained open and authorities made little effort to interrupt ordinary life.
Iran proclaimed five days of mourning for President Ebrahim Raisi on Monday, though the muted atmosphere revealed little of the spectacular public grief that has accompanied the deaths of other senior figures in the Islamic Republic’s 45-year history.
A year after Raisis’s hardline government cracked down violently to end the biggest anti-establishment demonstrations since the 1979 revolution, opponents even posted furtive videos online of people giving out sweets to celebrate his death.
Laila a 21-year-old student in Tehran disclosed to Reuters by phone that Raisi’s death hasn’t affected her in any way because Raisi had earlier ordered the crackdown on women for hijab.
“But I am sad because even with Raisi’s death this regime will not change,” Laila said.
The authorities’ handling of an array of political, social, and economic crises has deepened the gap between the clerical rulers and society.
Supporters of the clerical establishment spoke admiringly of Raisi, a 63-year-old former hardline jurist elected in a tightly controlled vote in 2021.
“He was a hard-working President. His legacy will endure as long as we are alive,” Mohammad Hussein said.
Many Iranians said they expected that President Raisi’s death to have an impact on how the country would be ruled with the establishment likely to replace him with another figure with similar hardline views.
“Who cares, one hardliner dies another takes over and our misery continues,” one of the citizens said.
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Speaking at President Raisi’s funeral in Tehran on Wednesday, Ahmadian emphasized that his legacy will be remembered for his dedicated service to the Iranian nation.
“President Raisi demonstrated through his actions that he was a true servant of the Iranian people,” Ahmadian remarked. “He has left behind a distinctive approach to governance and management that will be remembered and emulated by future leaders.”
Ahmadian also highlighted the contributions of the late Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, noting his unique ability to merge diplomatic protocol with the principles of the Islamic Revolution.
“Amir Abdollahian was a voice for the oppressed on the global stage and effectively combined field operations with political strategy,” Ahmadian stated, referring to him as the “foreign minister of the field.”
These reflections underscore the enduring impact of Raisi and Amir Abdollahian on Iran’s political and diplomatic landscape, marking a significant period of innovative leadership and steadfast advocacy.
The funeral processions for Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian began on Tuesday and will continue until Friday.
The two officials, who tragically died in a plane crash earlier this week near the northwestern city of Tabriz, will be laid to rest in their respective hometowns.
The nation mourns the loss of these prominent figures, whose deaths, along with those of their entourage, have sent shockwaves through Iran.
The ceremonies mark a period of national grief and reflection on the contributions and legacies of Raisi and Amir Abdollahian.
General Ashtiani highlighted that throughout his tenure, President Raisi was committed to the welfare and development of Iran. “Every moment of his life was dedicated to the service and comfort of the people, and the progress and development of our nation,” the general stated.
He added that President Raisi’s lifelong devotion and sincere efforts were ultimately rewarded by the Almighty God.
The funeral ceremony in Tehran drew significant attention, reflecting the deep respect and admiration for President Raisi’s contributions to the country.
