In a message
conveyed by the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA), Paknejad described
Khamenei as the "leader of the world's free, the commander-in-chief, and a
symbol of faith, resistance, and courage." He stated that the
"criminal hands of contemptible enemies" had targeted the
"pillar of the Islamic Revolution" and senior commanders in a
terrorist act during the holy month of Ramadan.
Paknejad
asserted that divine retribution, supported by the will of the Iranian nation,
would inevitably bring the "wicked enemies" to account for their
"disgraceful act."
Addressing
his colleagues in the oil industry, the minister urged them to remain resolute
and cohesive in their duties despite the "immense grief and
mourning." He expressed confidence that the "pure blood" of the
Supreme Leader and other martyrs would further strengthen the "front of
resistance."
The message
began with an invocation and a quote from the Quran: "Among the believers
are men who have been true to what they vowed to Allah. Some of them have
fulfilled their vows [to the point of martyrdom], and some of them are waiting,
and they have not changed [their commitment] in the least."