Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s funeral on Wednesday brought together an unexpected mix of foreign dignitaries, showcasing Tehran’s efforts to navigate US sanctions and mend ties with neighboring countries. The presence of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain’s foreign ministers alongside leaders of US-designated terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah highlighted Iran’s diplomatic outreach.
The guest list also included representatives from Yemen’s Houthi militant group, Afghanistan’s Taliban, and even a former aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The emir of Qatar, host to the largest US military base in the Middle East, was also in attendance.
The ceremony marked Iran’s efforts to repair relations with major Arab countries, despite their close ties to the US and Israel. Raisi’s funeral saw a rare visit from a Tunisian president since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, as well as appearances by the foreign ministers of Jordan and Egypt.
Hezbollah’s Deputy Chief Sheikh Naim Qasem and Hamas’ political leader Ismail Haniyeh were among the prominent figures at the funeral, underscoring Iran’s influence in the region through its proxy groups.
Before Raisi’s presidency, Iran sought to improve ties with the West and reduce dependence on Chinese investment. However, under Raisi, tensions with the US and Israel have escalated, particularly since the conflict in Gaza.
Despite facing stringent US sanctions, Iran has managed to maintain diplomatic and economic ties with regional countries, showcasing its power and influence. The presence of officials from various countries at Raisi’s funeral highlighted the delicate diplomatic dance involved in such events.
While the US expressed official condolences over Raisi’s death, Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged the controversial legacy of the late president. The absence of US officials at the funeral underscored the strained relations between the two countries since the US withdrawal from the nuclear accord in 2018.