Large crowds dressed in black flooded the streets of Tehran on Saturday, mourning Iran’s top military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians killed during this month’s brutal aerial war with Israel.
Among the dead were at least 16 scientists and 10 senior commanders, including Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Revolutionary Guards commander General Hossein Salami, and Guards Aerospace chief General Amir Ali Hajizadeh. Their coffins, adorned with photos and national flags, moved through Azadi Square as mourners waved flags, reached out to touch the caskets, and threw rose petals. State media called the funeral the "procession of the Martyrs of Power."
The war began on June 13, when Israel launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and military leaders, marking Iran’s worst blow since the 1980s war with Iraq. Iran retaliated with missile barrages targeting Israeli military sites and cities. The United States joined on June 22, striking Iranian nuclear facilities.
Iranian officials said 60 people were buried on Saturday. Mass prayers were held, and ballistic missiles were displayed in the square.
President Masoud Pezeshkian attended alongside senior officials, including Ayatollah Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, and Ali Shamkhani, who was wounded during the conflict. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi praised Iranians' "heroic resistance" against Israel and the U.S., claiming they defended national dignity and emerged more resolute.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei did not appear publicly, though he has issued two pre-recorded video messages since the war began.
Bagheri was buried at Behesht Zahra cemetery on Saturday afternoon. Salami and Hajizadeh are set to be buried on Sunday.
The conflict's toll was heavy. Iran’s health ministry reported 610 killed and over 4,700 injured before a ceasefire took effect on Tuesday. Activist network HRANA reported higher figures, citing 974 dead, including 387 civilians.
In Israel, the health ministry said 28 people were killed and more than 3,200 injured.
Tensions remain high. U.S. President Donald Trump warned on Friday that he might consider future strikes on Iran. In response, Khamenei threatened U.S. military bases in the region.
Israel, widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, said its strikes aimed to stop Iran from developing such arms. Tehran denies pursuing nuclear weapons, a claim echoed by the U.N. nuclear watchdog.
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On 28 May, the EU's foreign policy chief called for Russian troops to leave Georgia and Moldova. By the end of the same day, both Tbilisi and Moscow had dismissed her. The symmetry tells a story of its own.
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