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.
Türkiye continues battling large-scale forest fires across multiple provinces, with hundreds evacuated and extensive firefighting efforts underway since June 27.
The United States and the Group of Seven nations have agreed on a plan to exempt U.S. companies from parts of a major global tax deal, a move set to reshape international tax stability.
Ukraine's Security Service carried out overnight airstrikes on a Russian military airfield in occupied Crimea, reportedly destroying three helicopters and a key air defense system.
Azerbaijan has summoned Russia’s envoy in Baku to protest the deadly raids targeting Azerbaijani nationals in Yekaterinburg, demanding a full investigation and accountability.
Iran has barred the UN nuclear watchdog’s chief from entering the country and suspended camera installations at its nuclear facilities, escalating tensions over transparency following recent military clashes.
Poland’s six-month presidency of the EU Council ends Sunday, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk highlighting defence spending and migration policies as key outcomes.
Polish President Andrzej Duda made an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Saturday, where he was awarded Ukraine’s Order of Freedom for his support during the ongoing war with Russia.
The European Commission is set to propose allowing carbon credits from other countries to count towards the EU’s 2040 climate target, according to a leaked internal document.
Thousands of protesters rallied in Bangkok on Saturday, demanding Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra resign as political and economic tensions mount.
Türkiye continues battling large-scale forest fires across multiple provinces, with hundreds evacuated and extensive firefighting efforts underway since June 27.
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
The U.S. economy faces a 40% risk of recession in the second half of 2025, JP Morgan analysts said on Wednesday, citing rising tariffs and stagflation concerns.
Severe rain in Venezuela has caused rivers to overflow and triggered landslides, sweeping away homes and collapsing a highway bridge, with five states affected and no casualties reported so far.
China has ramped up efforts to protect communities impacted by flood control measures, introducing stronger compensation policies and direct aid from the central government.
The U.S. Embassy in Qatar has advised American citizens to shelter in place amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, as part of a broader global security alert issued by Washington.
Azerbaijan has summoned Russia’s envoy in Baku to protest the deadly raids targeting Azerbaijani nationals in Yekaterinburg, demanding a full investigation and accountability.
Iran has barred the UN nuclear watchdog’s chief from entering the country and suspended camera installations at its nuclear facilities, escalating tensions over transparency following recent military clashes.
The UN has welcomed a U.S.-brokered peace deal between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, calling it a major step toward regional stability.
President Ilham Aliyev received the credentials of Iran’s newly appointed ambassador Mojtaba Demirchilou, highlighting the strengthening of Azerbaijan-Iran relations and discussing broad prospects for cooperation across multiple sectors.
Poland’s six-month presidency of the EU Council ends Sunday, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk highlighting defence spending and migration policies as key outcomes.
Polish President Andrzej Duda made an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Saturday, where he was awarded Ukraine’s Order of Freedom for his support during the ongoing war with Russia.
The European Commission is set to propose allowing carbon credits from other countries to count towards the EU’s 2040 climate target, according to a leaked internal document.
Thousands of protesters rallied in Bangkok on Saturday, demanding Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra resign as political and economic tensions mount.
Türkiye continues battling large-scale forest fires across multiple provinces, with hundreds evacuated and extensive firefighting efforts underway since June 27.
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