Iran in 'historic resistance epic' against two 'terrorist armies': Supreme leader

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Wednesday lauded the nation's "epic and historically unique" resistance against two of the world's "terrorist" armies, namely those of the United States and Israel, during the 40-day war and afterwards.

In a message carried by Iranian media, Khamenei also commemorated late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on the second anniversary of his death.

Khamenei said the present reality places a heavier burden of responsibility on Iranian officials, from the leader and heads of the three branches of government to managers at all levels, saying the country is addressing the people's problems and concerns, particularly in the areas of economics and livelihoods.

He praised Raisi and the members of his accompanying team, who died in a helicopter crash in northwestern Iran on May 19, 2024.

Khamenei said Raisi was a responsible and popular figure who paid attention to youth and the promotion of justice, as well as to active, interest-based diplomacy.

Also on board Raisi's helicopter at the time of the crash were former Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem, the representative of Iran's Supreme Leader to East Azarbaijan.

Also on Wednesday, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said 26 ships, including oil tankers, container ships and other commercial vessels, passed through the Strait of Hormuz with the coordination of the navy of the IRGC.

(With input from Xinhua)