On Saturday, June 28th, Iran conducted a state funeral for approximately 60 scientists and commanders who perished during the recent conflict with Israel. The event followed strong condemnation from Iran's top diplomat regarding recent statements from the White House directed at Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
State television broadcast images of the funeral, showing thousands of mourners dressed in black. They chanted slogans such as "Death to America" and "Death to Israel" while holding up photographs of the deceased. Banners displayed messages like "Boom, boom, Tel Aviv," referencing Iran's retaliatory missile strikes against Israel during the 12-day war. Mock-ups of ballistic missiles, similar to those used by Iran, were displayed alongside coffins draped in Iranian flags.
President Masoud Pezeshkian and Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani, a senior advisor to Khamenei, attended the ceremony. Shamkhani, who was injured in an Israeli strike during the war, was seen using a walking cane. However, Supreme Leader Khamenei did not attend, having previously declared "victory" in a video address earlier in the week, following the truce.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi honored the war effort in an Instagram post. He stated that Iranians sacrificed their lives and loved ones, enduring heavy bombardment without surrendering, emphasizing Iran's refusal to accept the concept of surrender.
Among the deceased were Major General Mohammad Bagheri, the armed forces chief of staff, who will be buried with his wife and journalist daughter. Nuclear scientist Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi will also be laid to rest with his wife. Revolutionary Guards commander Hossein Salami, killed on the first day of the war, is scheduled to be buried on Sunday. The deceased included four children and four women. The funeral began at 8 am local time in Tehran, leading to the closure of government offices and many businesses for the day.
5 Comments
Bermudez
This illustrates Iran's strength and resolve in the face of adversity.
Muchacha
Let's hope this can bring peace and stability.
Stan Marsh
Iran is clearly defending its people and its sovereignty.
Eric Cartman
I feel nothing but sorrow for the families grieving, exploited for political gain.
Raphael
This is clearly a show of force, a threat to the West.