Iran holds funeral for commanders and scientists killed in war with Israel

 

Iran held a massive funeral procession in Tehran on Saturday to honor military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians killed during its war with Israel. The ceremony took place at Azadi Square, where thousands of mourners dressed in black lined the streets. At least 60 people were mourned, including 16 scientists and 10 senior military officials. Prominent figures such as Major General Mohammad Bagheri, General Hossein Salami, and General Amir Ali Hajizadeh were among the dead. Their coffins were draped with national flags and adorned with portraits. Crowds threw rose petals and reached out to touch the caskets in a somber yet patriotic tribute. Ballistic missiles were on display during the procession. President Masoud Pezeshkian, several government ministers, and Ayatollah Khamenei’s son Mojtaba were in attendance. Mass prayers were held for the dead. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi praised Iran's resistance in his remarks, saying the country had preserved its honor and dignity in the face of military action by nuclear-armed adversaries. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has not appeared in public since the war began. According to Iranian authorities, 610 people were killed in the war and more than 4,700 injured. Independent sources estimate even higher figures.

The war between Iran and Israel began on June 13 when Israel launched aerial attacks on Iranian military and nuclear sites, killing key figures such as Bagheri, Salami, and Hajizadeh on the first day. Iran quickly retaliated with a barrage of missiles targeting Israeli military facilities, infrastructure, and cities. On June 22, the United States joined the conflict, carrying out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The war has become the most devastating for Iran since the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s. Despite the damage, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed Israel and the US failed to achieve their objectives. The ceasefire, which came into effect recently, has brought some calm, but tensions remain high. US President Donald Trump has threatened future military action against Iran, while Khamenei has warned of retaliatory strikes on US military bases in the Middle East if attacked again. The United Nations nuclear watchdog has said there is no credible evidence of an active weapons program in Iran, despite Israeli claims. As of Saturday, Israel’s health ministry confirmed 28 deaths and over 3,000 injuries on its side. Activist groups claim Iran’s civilian casualties are significantly higher than official figures suggest. With both nations claiming victory and warning of future attacks, the region faces a continued threat of escalation.

See also: Deadly Russian Drone Strike Hits Residential Building in Odesa