Iran Holds State Funeral for Generals Killed in Israel Clash

On Saturday, June 28, 2025, Iran conducted a state funeral in Tehran for approximately 60 individuals, including high-ranking military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians, who were killed during the recent 12-day conflict with Israel. The ceremony commenced at 8:00 a.m. local time, with government offices and many businesses closed to observe the occasion.

Thousands of mourners gathered in central Tehran, dressed in black and carrying Iranian flags, as well as portraits of the deceased. The funeral procession began at Enghelab (Revolution) Square and proceeded towards Azadi (Freedom) Square, covering a distance of 11 kilometers. The event featured patriotic eulogies broadcast over loudspeakers and displays of ballistic missiles. High-ranking officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Esmail Qaani, head of the Quds Force, attended the ceremony.

Among those honored were Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, and Major General Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), both killed in Israeli airstrikes on June 13. Nuclear scientist Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi was also among the deceased. The ceremony paid tribute to at least 30 other top commanders, as well as women and children who lost their lives in the conflict.

The war, which began on June 13, involved Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites, resulting in significant casualties and infrastructure damage. Iran responded with missile attacks on Israel, leading to further casualties. The conflict concluded with a ceasefire, though tensions remain high.