Tehran mourns slain commanders, scientists
Thousands of Iranians gathered in Tehran for a funeral procession honoring military commanders and nuclear scientists killed in Israeli strikes during the recent conflict between Iran and Israel. The procession featured the coffins of the deceased transported on trucks through crowded streets, with mourners paying their respects.
The Israeli military campaign, which began on June 13, resulted in significant casualties for the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), including the deaths of Major General Hossein Salami, the IRGC commander-in-chief, and other high-ranking officials. The IRGC, responsible for Iran's ballistic missile program, retaliated by launching missiles at Israel during the conflict.
The grand funeral service commenced at 8:00 AM in Enqelab Square and proceeded to Azadi Square, covering approximately 11 kilometers. Mourners chanted slogans such as "death to Israel" and "death to America," reflecting the heightened tensions. Mohsen Mahmoudi, head of Tehran's Islamic Development Coordination Council, described the day as "historic" for Islamic Iran.
Among those honored were Major General Mohammad Bagheri, the second-in-command of Iran's armed forces, and nuclear scientist Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, both of whom were killed in the attacks. The ceremony also recognized at least 30 other top commanders, with a total of 60 individuals, including four children, to be laid to rest.
Iranian officials reported that over 600 people, primarily civilians, have died as a result of the Israeli and U.S. aggression against Iran. The funeral coincided with the second day of Muharram, a significant period in the Islamic calendar that commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, a pivotal figure in Shia Islam who fought for justice in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.
