alexander hirst has the story. reporter: tens of thousands gathered at the university of to honor the former president. on monday, iran's current president paid tribute to his current mentor. a religious moderate, he won support with his help. former president. >> his bravery and bright thinking showed young people the right path. fortill had several wishes the honor of this country, the glory of the system, and revolution. we are all hopeful we can continue in his path. reporter: nicknamed the shake of moderation, his death that sheikh of moderation, -- nicknamed the sheik of comes as a his death blow to his followers. the u.s. state department offered its own condolences, calling him an eminent figure in history. the former president is now buried next to another founding father of the islamic republic, the ayatollah khomeini. the founder and president of the national the rainy and american council and the author "losing an enemy: obama, iran, and the triumph of diplomacy." supporter of the green revolution but m