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| Iran's silent diplomacy Messages to countries from various Quranic verses in khamenei funeral |
Delegations from more than 30 countries and non-state organizations attended the funeral of Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, today. Various verses from the Quran were recited at his funeral, both religious and carrying profound diplomatic messages. Separate verses were chosen for Saudi Arabia, Russia, China, India, and other countries, reflecting their political and religious ties.
Preparations are underway for the burial of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. As delegations from more than 30 countries and non-state organizations arrived to bid Khamenei farewell, various verses from the Quran were recited at the funeral in Tehran on July 4, 2026.
Experts believe that the selection of these verses of the Quran was not just religious, but through them Iran has tried to give a very measured diplomatic message to the world.
As representatives from various countries passed by Khamenei's coffin, the verses were changed according to each country. Although the Iranian government has not officially commented on this, international analysts say this was part of a pre-planned and deliberate strategy.
Saudi Arabia reminded of the 'Battle of Badr'
According to international security analyst Shahin Modarres, "The most important things at this funeral were not what any official said verbally, but the verses that were recited." He described it as "Cold War Kremlinology through verses."
The most surprising event occurred when the Saudi Arabian delegation arrived at the coffin. A verse from Surah Al-Imran (3:13) was recited. This verse commemorates the Battle of Badr, the first major battle of Islam, in which a small Muslim army defeated a much larger enemy force. The Battle of Badr was fought on Saudi Arabian soil in 624 AD, so the selection of this verse immediately attracted attention.
According to UK media website Middle East Eye, this could be seen as both a reminder of a shared Islamic history and a sharp message to Riyadh. Iran was positioning itself as the power that survived and won the recent war with the US and Israel, while Saudi Arabia stood by Washington.
Iraqi political analyst Mohammad Hassan Bahrani also told Baghdad's Alhad TV, "This wasn't accidental or spontaneous. The Quranic verses read before the delegations attending the martyred leader's funeral were deliberately chosen. Some countries even attended reluctantly."
The Axis of Resistance is emboldened.
Iran's ideological and military allies, known as the 'Axis of Resistance', were recited verses containing messages of martyrdom, loyalty and victory.
Hamas representatives were welcomed with a verse about men who kept their promise to Allah. Hezbollah was greeted with a verse that tells those who believe in Allah not to be weak or mourn, for victory will be theirs.
The verses, urging Yemen's Houthis to fight resolutely and not give up, were dedicated to Yemen's Houthis, who have targeted Western ships in the Red Sea. Tehran reassured its allies that it stands with them.
Soft Diplomacy for India, Russia and China
For allies like Russia, China, and India, the chosen verses were not about war, but about righteousness and consolation. The verse read for China stated in a mild tone that victory comes only from Allah. For Russia, it was said that ultimately, the righteous will be judged.
A short and gentle excerpt from the section, "Do not weaken and do not mourn," was read out for India. On Monday, Iran also thanked India for attending Khamenei's state funeral. Tehran described India's presence as a "precious proof" of the two countries' enduring ties and said the Iranian people would never forget India's solidarity.
Experts say Iran has kept allies out of its "Axis of Resistance" bloc, expressing gratitude to its allies but not dragging them into its ideological battles.
Shahin Modarres wrote on X, "Each foreign delegation was handed a verse, and each verse was a targeted political message. Saudi Arabia was rebuked. Turkey was shamed. Lebanon was blamed. Proxy groups were consoled, and Qatar was thanked. Yesterday, the coffin spoke in verses, and Iranians deciphered it faster than any foreign analyst."
Iran has been giving messages through verses in the past as well.
Iran's use of Quranic verses during times of tension is not new. In April of this year, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei responded to US President Donald Trump's threats with verses from Surah Al-Mujadilah to present Iran's position as one of Allah's justice and ultimate victory.
Similarly, after Ali Khamenei's death, his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, began his message on the 40th day of mourning with a verse from Surah al-Fath. He said, "Verily, We have given you a clear victory," which describes Iran's "victory" in the war with the US and Israel as divinely ordained. While Iran remains silent on this matter, analysts are viewing Khamenei's funeral as a new chapter in diplomacy.
