Iran Holds State Funeral for Commanders and Scientists Killed in Aerial War

Large crowds of mourners dressed in black lined streets in Iran’s capital Tehran as the country held a state funeral for top military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians killed during the recent conflict with Israel. Among those mourned were 16 scientists and 10 senior commanders, including Major General Mohammad Bagheri, General Hossein Salami, and General Amir Ali Hajizadeh. The funeral, named the 'procession of the Martyrs of Power', honored a total of 60 individuals, including women and children. The coffins were driven into Tehran’s Azadi Square, where mass prayers were held.

President Masoud Pezeshkian and other senior figures attended the funeral, along with Ali Shamkhani and Mojtaba Khamenei. Notably, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei did not make a public appearance. Bagheri, Salami, and Hajizadeh were killed on the first day of the conflict and were being laid to rest in separate ceremonies.

According to Iranian health ministry data, 610 people were killed and over 4,700 were injured on the Iranian side during the war. The conflict ended with a ceasefire on Tuesday.

According to the source: Dawn.