Ayatollah Khamenei in a message on Wednesday, compared Irlou’s demise to martyrdom, calling him an “efficient envoy”.

“His (Irlou’s) glorious track record features a collection of political struggle, diplomatic endeavors, and social activism,” he said in the message.

The envoy had earlier this week been repatriated from Yemen to receive treatment for infection to COVID-19 at home. Some officials from Saudi Arabia, which has subjected Yemen to an all-out war and blockade since 2015, however, delayed his return.

This is while, the official was already suffering from injuries sustained in chemical warfare attacks during the war that former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein waged against Iran from 1980 to 1988, making his return even more urgent.

Foreign Minister of Yemen's National Salvation Government Hisham Sharaf Abdullah also offered his condolences over Irlou’s passing earlier, describing the former envoy as “heroic”.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said Tuesday that some executive bodies in Riyadh were to blame for a delay in allowing Iran’s late ambassador to Yemen, adding that Tehran will lodge a formal protest over the foot-dragging in accordance with international law.

Also, President Seyed Ebrahim Rayeesi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf in separate messages extended their condolences over the martyrdom of Irlou.

“The demise of late brave Iranian ambassador Hassan Irlou was a very sad news,” President Rayeesi said.

In a separate message, Qalibaf condoled martyrdom of late ambassador Irlou.