Iranians remember the late Imam Khomeini

Millions of Iranians gathered across the country to pay their respects to the late Imam Khomeini on the 30th anniversary of his demise.

Ceremonies were held in different parts of the country in the final hours of the Holy Month of Ramadhan, including the mausoleum of Imam Khomeini in Tehran with Iranians renewing their covenants with the late leader and founder of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, 30 years after his demise.

With over 350,000 people in attendance, the ceremony at the mausoleum of Imam Khomeini featured a speech by the leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, with over 350 national and international correspondents as well as guests from various countries among the audience.

Among the most influential figures in modern history, Imam Khomeini was the leader of the most enduring revolution in Iran, ending the country’s millennia-old monarchy and dominance of western powers over the nation.

Beginning his movement in the holy city of Qom, Imam Khomeini led popular protests against the brutal Pahlavi regime which was a strategic ally of the US and Israel.

Having spent 15 years in exile in Turkey, Iraq, and France, Imam Khomeini would return back to Iran in 1979 and claim victory against the regime, ending a 2,500 year-old monarchial rule.

With the Islamic Revolution victorious and a nearly 100% popular “yes” vote for an Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini would go on to lead the country through all kinds of obstacles that a new-born government would face in its early days, including an eight year imposed war backed by the US and its allies.

Imam Khomeini quickly became a household name not only in Iran, but throughout the world, inspiring people from all walks of life, including activists, humanitarians, revolutionary figures, social justice movements, and freedom fighters.

He passed away on June 3, 1989 with millions of people attending his funeral procession, leaving behind a legacy that is still alive and growing.

MB/FM