Iran has expressed that the assassination of Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas, would serve as a source of inspiration for the ongoing struggle against oppression, hailing the martyred leader through numerous official channels.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian asserted Friday that the assassination of Resistance leaders would not weaken the Islamic nation's resolve against oppression and occupation. His statement follows Hamas' confirmation of Yahya Sinwar's martyrdom during a confrontation with Israeli occupation forces in southern Gaza.

In a message released on Friday, Pezeshkian emphasized that "the enemy should know that the martyrdom of commanders, heroes, and leaders will not weaken the resistance of the Islamic nation against bullying and occupation." He quoted Ismail Haniyeh, the former Hamas leader who was assassinated by the Israeli occupation, noting, "When a leader falls, another rises."

Pezeshkian praised Sinwar for his courage, stating he fought "heroically until his last breath, never giving up," referencing footage that depicted the leader confronting Israeli forces despite being injured. He underscored that the struggle for freedom and liberation is a noble cause that will persist despite the loss of its heroes.

Describing Sinwar's martyrdom as "painful and distressing" for freedom-seeking nations worldwide, especially for the people of Palestine, Pezeshkian viewed it as a stark reminder of the ongoing crimes perpetrated by the Israeli regime. He extended his condolences to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Palestinian people in Gaza, and all global advocates for freedom following Sinwar's death.

Hossein Salami 

The chief commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Major General Hossein Salami, honored the memory of Sinwar, praising the martyred leader as an "untiring fighter and elite member of the Palestinian Islamic resistance," referring to him as "the legend of struggle against the criminal and ruthless Zionist regime."

He stated that Sinwar's martyrdom would "further stoke the flames of wrath of anti-Zionist resistance," adding that Sinwar's name would shine alongside those of other heroic leaders such as his predecessor, Ismail Haniyeh, and Hamas' founder, Ahmad Yassin.

Salami expressed confidence that the rising anger among Resistance fighters would ultimately lead to the downfall of what he called the "usurpers of the holy land" of Palestine. He commended Sinwar for transforming Hamas into a formidable organization that instilled fear in the hearts of the Zionist regime and its supporters.

The IRGC commander highlighted Sinwar's successful leadership during significant operations, including Operation al-Aqsa Flood. Salami noted that these operations shattered "Israel's" perceived security superiority and caused "catastrophic strategic confusion" within its society.

Salami affirmed that Sinwar ascended to martyrdom while leading Resistance fighters at the forefront of battle rather than from the underground tunnels that the Israeli regime had suggested were his hiding places. He predicted that the ranks of the Resistance would grow stronger following Sinwar's martyrdom, stating that the regional Axis of Resistance had now evolved into a "Great Resistance Front that opposes the oppressive presence of the United States in the region."

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Salami asserted that the Palestinian Resistance, guided by Hamas fighters, would "continue to shape the battlefield against the wicked Zionist enemy," reminding them that escalating the conflict would only exacerbate their self-created crises.

Abbas Araghchi

In a statement posted on his X account, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that Sinwar did not fear death but sought martyrdom in his fight for Gaza. He praised Sinwar's bravery, stating that the Hamas leader fought "to the very end on the battlefield." The Israeli military confirmed the assassination shortly before Hamas issued its own statement on the matter.

Araghchi highlighted that Sinwar's legacy would inspire Resistance fighters across the region, saying, "His fate – beautifully pictured in his last image – is not a deterrent but a source of inspiration for the resistance fighters." He conveyed solidarity with Sinwar's struggle for the liberation of the Palestinian people, asserting that "martyrs live forever."

Iranian Foreign Ministry

In a subsequent statement, Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the assassination, describing it as part of a broader "genocidal plan against the Palestinian people. The ministry declared that the physical elimination of resistance figures would not diminish the movement but would instead affirm the righteousness of their cause and inspire others.

It characterized Sinwar as a "great hero" of Palestine's liberation and noted his significant contributions, including spending 22 years in Israeli prisons. The ministry stated that Sinwar represented a vital branch of the resistance against Israeli occupation and oppression, dedicating his life to restoring the rights of the Palestinian people.

Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf 

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf expressed his condolences, as well, stating, "Martyr Sinwar fulfilled his promise to God with his pure blood. The images of his struggle will inspire thousands of fighters like him and Sayyed Nasrallah around the world."

In his remarks, Ghalibaf reflected on the enduring nature of the resistance movement, noting, "When Ezzeddin al-Qassam was martyred, Sinwar had not yet been born. They may attempt to eliminate the people of resistance, but the idea of resistance will remain alive."

Hamas announces Sinwar's martyrdom

Islamic Resistance movement Hamas announced Friday the martyrdom of its Political Bureau chief and commander of Operation al-Aqsa Flood, Yahya Sinwar.

In a statement, Hamas paid tribute to Sinwar, describing him as one of the most honorable and courageous men who dedicated his life to the Palestinian cause and sacrificed his soul for the liberation of Palestine. "He believed in God, and God was truthful with him, choosing him as a martyr alongside his brothers who preceded him," Hamas' statement said.

Hamas mourned Sinwar as a national leader and a distinguished freedom fighter, noting that he attained martyrdom while engaging in combat, standing firm on the frontlines, and confronting Israeli forces.

Sinwar, contrary to the Israeli claims that he was hiding in tunnels and using captives as human shields, was in a house with several other fighters, himself donning military attire, including a vest, grenades, ammunition, and an assault rifle.

He was confronting Israeli forces in Rafah's Tel al-Sultan refugee camp, firing at them, engaging them, and tossing grenades at them to halt their advance. As he succeeded, the Israeli occupation forces backed away and fired a tank shell at the house he was sheltering himself in as part of the ongoing confrontation. 

They then sent a drone to inspect the area, and he could be seen severely wounded, covered in dust, and donning the Palestinian koufiyyeh to conceal his identity. With nothing but a stick in hand, sitting on a sofa, he attempted to throw it at the Israeli drone, which then backed away before the house he was in was bombarded once again, leading to his martyrdom. He died as a warrior, holding on until the very last breath.