Thousands attend state funeral for top commanders, scientists killed by Israeli strikes

Massive crowds gathered in Tehran on Saturday as Iran held funeral for dozens of military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians killed in Israeli airstrikes earlier this month.

State television broadcast scenes of mourners, many dressed in black, waving Iranian flags and carrying portraits of the deceased. The funeral procession began at 8 a.m. local time and moved through central Tehran, where coffins draped in Iranian flags were paraded along Azadi Street.

The ceremonies were held in honor of those killed in the June 13 Israeli strikes that targeted key military and nuclear sites across Iran, resulting in the deaths of several high-ranking officials and scientists.

Among those laid to rest were General Hossein Salami, commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of the IRGC’s missile program. Both were killed on the first day of the conflict, which Israel claimed was aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Other prominent figures killed included Major-General Mohammad Bagheri and top nuclear physicist Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi. In total, Iranian authorities said the funerals honored 60 victims, including four women and four children.

The war escalated over 12 days, with the United States joining Israel in airstrikes that reportedly targeted three nuclear facilities in Iran last weekend. In retaliation, Iran launched missile attacks on a US military base in Qatar. Both Israel and Iran have since claimed victory following a ceasefire reached on Tuesday.

During Saturday’s procession, crowds chanted slogans such as “Death to America” and “Death to Israel,” expressing anger over the foreign military interventions.

Government offices were closed to allow employees to attend the mourning events, which marked the first major public funerals for fallen officials since the end of the conflict.