IRGC Honors Larijani on 40th Day of Martyrdom
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TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) held a formal tribute Monday to mark the 40th day since the death of Ali Larijani, the former Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, who was killed in an airstrike on Iranian soil.
The ceremony, held at a military facility in Tehran, featured senior IRGC commanders and government officials paying respects to Larijani, a prominent political figure who served as the head of Iran's parliamentary committee on foreign affairs before his death. The event took place on April 27, 2026, following the traditional Islamic mourning period known as chahelom.
Larijani was killed in an airstrike that Iranian officials have attributed to a joint American-Israeli operation. The attack occurred on March 18, 2026, in a strike that targeted a convoy in the vicinity of Tehran. Iranian state media described the incident as a terrorist act, while the United States and Israel have not officially commented on the specific operation.
During the tribute, IRGC spokespersons reiterated the organization's commitment to avenging Larijani's death and vowed continued resistance against foreign aggression. The ceremony included the recitation of poetry, the display of Larijani's portrait, and a moment of silence observed by attendees.
Larijani, a member of the conservative faction within Iranian politics, had been a key architect of Iran's nuclear negotiations and regional security strategy. His death has heightened tensions between Iran and Western powers, with Iranian officials warning of potential retaliatory measures.
The 40th-day mourning ceremony is a significant cultural and religious observance in Iran, marking the end of the initial mourning period for the deceased. The event drew hundreds of attendees, including family members, political allies, and military personnel.
As of Monday evening, no official statements have been released by the United States or Israel regarding the airstrike that killed Larijani. The circumstances surrounding the attack remain a subject of international scrutiny, with questions persisting about the planning and execution of the operation.
Iranian officials have not specified the exact location of the airstrike or the number of casualties beyond Larijani. The incident has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation in the region, particularly given the ongoing tensions over Iran's nuclear program and its support for proxy groups across the Middle East.
The tribute concluded with a pledge from IRGC leaders to continue Larijani's legacy and defend Iran's sovereignty. The event underscores the deepening rift between Iran and Western powers, with the potential for further diplomatic and military confrontations in the coming months.