Iran is hosting a mass state funeral for approximately 60 people, including high-ranking military commanders and nuclear scientists, who were killed in the recent 12-day war with Israel.
The ceremony, which aims to honor the martyrs, has officially begun, with Iranian state TV broadcasting footage of people dressed in black and waving Iranian flags. A ceremony took place in Tehran’s Enghelab Square, followed by a funeral procession to Azadi Square, showcasing the nation’s grief and solidarity.
The funeral procession features the coffins of senior military commanders and officials killed in Israel’s air attacks. Some of the notable figures whose coffins were displayed include Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps chief commander Hossein Salami, and Aerospace Force commander Amir-Ali Hajizadeh. These individuals were part of a larger group of 30 Iranian generals reportedly killed during the conflict.
According to reports, Israel’s military campaign against Iran resulted in significant losses for Tehran’s senior officer corps. The Israeli military had confirmed the deaths of over 20 Iranian commanders, including high-ranking generals from the IRGC and the armed forces.
The published casualty list includes influential figures such as IRGC Commander-in-Chief Lt. Gen. Hossein Salami and Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Mohammad Hossein Baqeri.
The conflict between Israel and Iran has led to substantial human losses on both sides. Iranian authorities reported 627 fatalities in Iran, while Israeli authorities confirmed 28 deaths in Israel.
In addition to military personnel, 11 senior nuclear scientists were also killed in the Israeli strikes, according to a senior Israeli military official. These strikes targeted over 900 locations in Iran, severely damaging the country’s nuclear and missile production capabilities.
The mass state funeral serves as a testament to the impact of the conflict on Iran’s military leadership and the nation’s resolve to honor its fallen heroes. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community remains watchful, aware of the complexities and challenges that lie ahead in the region.