Nasrallah Hails Iran as Resistance Fortress

Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has described Iran as the “strong fortress of resistance” against oppressors, saying the Islamic establishment serves as a role model. 

Nasrallah addressed via video link from Beirut a ceremony in Tehran to mark the 40th day since the passing of President Ebrahim Raeisi in a helicopter crash, hailing the country for taking the upheaval in its stride with fortitude and composure.  

“The Islamic Republic of Iran emerged proudly and admirably from this tragic incident and presented an advanced and lofty model that is strong in facing all challenges,” he said.

Nasrallah said the incident, in which President Raeisi lost his life along with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and six others in mountainous terrain in northwest Iran, was "very painful and historic" which left Iran faced with threats.

"We have faced similar big and dangerous incidents in recent years. As an example, we can point to the assassination of two dear commanders, Hajj Qassem Soleimani and Hajj Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, that was a huge damage and at the same time a threat," he added. 

Iranian officials have repeatedly vowed to take further steps and imposed sanctions on individuals taking part in the crime.  

He said the tragic loss of President Raeisi and his companions is "also an example, the outcome of which depends on our behavior".

"Thank God, the people of Iran became a model for the whole world through their direct presence and the way they dealt with the incident with general peace and stability."

He touched on millions of mourners who took to the streets in Iranian cities to pay their respects to the president and his companions and take part in their funeral processions, saying their huge presence carried a strong message for both friends and foes.