Iranian envoy says killing Khamenei was like breaking a perfume bottle

Iran's ambassador to Armenia said on Wednesday that the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had strengthened national unity rather than weakened the country, describing the late leader as a symbol of Iran's independence and resilience.

Speaking to reporters in Yerevan, Ambassador Khalil Shirgholami said millions of Iranians, as well as Shi'ite mourners in Iran and Iraq, had gathered to pay their respects to Khamenei.

"This is one of the largest, if not the largest, official funeral ceremonies in world history," Shirgholami stated.

He said Khamenei had been more than a religious or political leader, calling him "a symbol of Iran's national aspirations" to preserve the country's independence, resist foreign interference and pursue prosperity.

"Iran's enemies physically killed him, but they do not understand that legends never die," the diplomat said.

Shirgholami recalled an earlier article he had written in which he compared Khamenei's killing to breaking a perfume bottle, saying that "its fragrance has now spread throughout the world." He said the large crowds attending the funeral demonstrated the enduring influence of the late leader.

"The ceremonies are not only mourning rituals. They demonstrate the will and unity of the Iranian people. Once again, it became clear that no one can block the path of truth," he said.

According to the ambassador, delegations from 41 countries attended the funeral ceremonies, while around 150 foreign journalists representing 90 media outlets covered the events.

He thanked Armenia for sending an official delegation to Iran, saying the move reflected the high level of bilateral relations between the two countries.

Shirgholami also said Khamenei had held Armenia in high regard, referring to it as Iran's "honest neighbor" and showing special respect toward Iran's Armenian community. He said Khamenei had regularly visited Armenian families whose relatives were killed in the Iran-Iraq war.