Imam Khamenei’s Message on the 40th Day of the Recent Martyrs

In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful

To the noble nation of Iran!

Today marks the 40th day since the martyrdom of a number of our dear compatriots, among whom were topnotch military commanders and prominent nuclear scientists. This blow was inflicted by the rulers of the evil, criminal Zionist regime, which is the vile, vicious enemy of the Iranian nation.

Without a doubt, the loss of commanders such as Martyrs Baqeri, Salami, Rashid, Hajizadeh, Shadmani, and other military personnel, as well as scientists such as Martyrs Tehranchi, Abbasi, and others, is a heavy loss for any nation.

However, the foolish and shortsighted enemy failed to achieve its goal. The future will show that both our military and scientific advancements will move forward with greater momentum than before toward lofty horizons, Insha Allah.

Our martyrs themselves had chosen a path on which the likelihood of attaining the lofty status of martyrdom wasn’t improbable. Ultimately, they reached that which is the aspiration of all those who are devoted to sacrifice. Congratulations to them.

Nonetheless, the pain of this loss for the Iranian nation – especially for the families of the martyrs and those who knew them personally – is difficult, bitter, and heavy.

In this tragic event, there are also bright points that are clearly evident.

First of all, there’s the endurance, patience, and spiritual fortitude of the bereaved families, which is to such an extent that hasn’t been seen except in the transformation brought about by the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Second, there’s the steadfastness and stability of the institutions that were under the command of the martyrs that didn’t allow this heavy blow to take away opportunities or interrupt their movement.

And third, there’s the glory of the Iranian nation’s miraculous steadfastness, which is manifested in their unity, spiritual strength, and firm resolve to stand together as one in the field.

In this tragic event, Islamic Iran has once again demonstrated the strength of its foundations. Iran’s enemies are hammering on cold iron (their actions are useless). With Allah’s grace, Islamic Iran will grow stronger day by day, Insha Allah.

What’s important is that we mustn’t be negligent of this reality, or the responsibility it places on our shoulders. Preserving national unity is the duty of each and every one of us.

It’s the duty of scientific scholars to accelerate the speed of progress in science and technology in all sectors.

Safeguarding the dignity and honor of the country and the nation is a duty of our speakers and writers that mustn’t be ignored.

Continually equipping the country with the means to protect its national security and independence is the duty of our military commanders.

Diligence, following up on matters, and finishing the tasks of the country are the duties of all responsible executive bodies.

Providing spiritual guidance, enlightening the people’s hearts, and encouraging people to be patient, calm, and steadfast is the duty of our esteemed religious scholars.

And maintaining a Revolutionary fervor, passion, and consciousness is the duty of each and every one of us, especially the youth.

May Allah – the Honorable and the Merciful – grant success to everyone.

Salutations be upon the nation of Iran; and salutations be upon the martyred youth, the martyred women and children, and upon all the martyrs, and upon those who mourn them.

And may Allah’s peace and mercy be upon you.

Sayyid Ali Khamenei

Mordad 3, 1404
July 25, 2025