Tehran: The secretary-general of Iraq's Sayyid al-Shuhada Brigades, Abu Ala al-Walai, has commended the character of the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, describing each of his personal qualities as an "ocean of virtue."

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Abu Ala al-Walai expressed in an interview with Iran's Al-Alam news network that Ayatollah Khamenei's asceticism, courage, simple lifestyle, and sincerity individually represented immense virtues. He highlighted Ayatollah Khamenei's dedication to the welfare of Islam and Muslims, noting his transformation of the principle of 'rising for the sake of God' into a revolutionary spirit and a guiding path for the oppressed globally, creating 'an enduring legacy.'

The Iraqi resistance leader also remarked on Ayatollah Khamenei's alignment with the school of thought of the late founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini. He emphasized that the martyred Leader consistently prioritized the Palestinian cause as a central issue for the Muslim world, a stance deeply rooted in his religious beliefs rather than mere political positioning.

Abu Ala al-Walai further elaborated on Ayatollah Khamenei's approach to Iraq, stating that the martyred Leader prioritized Iraq's political and economic independence. He asserted that safeguarding Iraq's decision-making from foreign influence, particularly from the United States, was a critical priority. Moreover, Ayatollah Khamenei urged for economic independence, warning that financial dependency could eventually lead to security and military vulnerabilities.

Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei was assassinated in an airstrike on February 28, marking the first day of the recent US-Israeli conflict against Iran. A memorial service commenced in Tehran on July 3, 2026, with senior officials from numerous countries paying their respects. The service included farewell ceremonies and funeral processions in Tehran and Qom, concluding with memorial events in Iraq's Najaf and Karbala, before the Leader's burial in Mashhad on July 9, 2026.