Public Announcement: Election of the Third Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran
His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei
"And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided." (The Holy Quran)
This year, the blessed nights of Qadr—nights when the annual destinies of mankind are inscribed—coincided with a unique and historic event for the Shi'ite world and all free Muslims across the globe. As the fate of individuals was being recorded, the destiny of the Islamic Revolution was also charted upon a new and glorious course.
The Assembly of Experts has elected the righteous Mujtahid, the revolutionary thinker, and the true son of the school of jihad and martyrdom, His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei (may his grace continue), as the third Leader of the Islamic Revolution. This marks a new dawn and another beginning for the ever-shining sun of the Guardianship (Velayat) in Islamic Iran.
This blessed election takes place while the Islamic Ummah is still in mourning, shedding tears over the heartbreaking martyrdom of the second wise Leader of the Islamic Revolution, His Eminence the late Grand Ayatollah Imam Seyyed Ali Khamenei (may God be pleased with him). For 37 blessed years, that paragon of patience and resistance steered the ship of the Revolution through history's most difficult passes with wisdom and strength. On March 8th [Persian date: 9th of Esfand], as a result of a heinous act of cruelty by the global arrogance, he ascended to the highest heavens and rests now in the embrace of divine mercy.
Undoubtedly, the name and legacy of "Imam Khamenei" will continue to resonate throughout the world, blinding the eyes of the enemies. The leadership system of Iran remains the sole axis for final decision-making in matters stipulated in Principle 110 of the Constitution. It is incumbent upon us all to hold fast to this divine rope of Vilayat, suspended from the heavens, and to support this worthy choice through institutional, partisan, and elite-level expressions of opinion.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations on this timely election to the sacred presence of the Imam of the Age (may God hasten his reappearance), to the wise Leader of the Islamic Revolution, to the noble nation of Iran, and to all Muslims worldwide. Undoubtedly, the selection of a fully qualified jurist who is also young, revolutionary, and knowledgeable about the complex issues of the Islamic world at this critical juncture is a sign of divine favor and the profound wisdom of the respected Assembly of Experts.
This blessed choice makes the bitter and sorrowful sunset of the martyred Leader more bearable for the Islamic Ummah and proves to all that the Islamic Revolution is not dependent on any single individual and will continue its glorious path with strength. The martyrdom of the Leader has not only failed to create a crack in the steel-like will of the Iranian nation, but with the timely and prudent election of his successor, the Islamic Revolution continues its way with redoubled power.
The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Nairobi today declares, with all its being, its obedience and allegiance to the blessed presence of the wise Leader of the Revolution, His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei (may his grace continue). By renewing its pledge to the lofty ideals of the Leadership, the Embassy announces its full readiness to implement the directives and wise guidance of that noble Leader in the pursuit of developing relations and safeguarding the interests of the great nation of Iran.