Iran holds state funeral for military leaders killed in Israel conflict
On June 28, 2025, Iran held a grand state funeral in Tehran for approximately 60 individuals killed during its recent 12‑day conflict with Israel. The ceremony honored a group comprising military commanders, nuclear scientists, civilians, and even some children and women .
The funeral procession began at Enghelab (Revolution) Square shortly after 8 a.m. local time and made its way toward Azadi Square, with thousands of mourners clad in black. Attendees carried portraits of the deceased, draped coffins with national flags, and displayed symbols of military power—ballistic missiles included—to highlight the sacrifices made .
Among the fallen were Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s armed forces chief of staff; General Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the IRGC; and General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of the Guards’ aerospace and ballistic missile division—all reportedly killed on June 13, the war’s opening day . Also mourned were 16 nuclear scientists, including notable figures like Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, who was buried alongside his wife .
Funeral footage revealed crowds chanting anti‑U.S. and anti‑Israel slogans, including “Death to America” and “Death to Israel”, underscoring a deep-seated national sentiment . The service was attended by President Masoud Pezeshkian and other senior officials, with the absence of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei noted—though he reportedly delivered a video address after the ceasefire .
Iran's Health Ministry reports 610 deaths and over 4,700 injuries from the war, compared to 28 Israeli fatalities and over 3,200 injuries, as per Iranian and Israeli figures . The tragedy reflects a heavy human toll, further intensifying geopolitical tensions even after the ceasefire that took hold on June 24.
Analysts say the scale and symbolism of the funeral serve both domestic and international purposes. Domestically, the event reinforced national unity amid grief and outrage, bolstering support for the Iranian leadership.Internationally, the ceremony sent a powerful message of resilience and defiance to Israel and its allies.
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