Thousands gathered in Tehran to pay their respects to military leaders and scientists killed during the recent conflict with Israel. The event, called the "funeral procession of the Martyrs of Power," honored 60 individuals, including four women and four children.
Among the deceased were at least 16 scientists and 10 high-ranking military commanders. Notably, General Hossein Salami, the head of the Revolutionary Guard, and General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, who led the ballistic missile program, were also mourned. Their coffins, adorned with flowers and photographs, were transported through Azadi Square as crowds waved Iranian flags.
The atmosphere was charged, with mourners dressed in black chanting slogans against the United States and Israel. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other officials attended, including Ali Shamkhani, who was injured during the fighting and serves as an advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. However, there was no sign of Khamenei at the funeral.
The conflict, which lasted for 12 days, saw Israel targeting Iranian military and nuclear sites, claiming to have killed around 30 Iranian commanders and 11 nuclear scientists. The U.S. also conducted airstrikes on three nuclear enrichment facilities in Iran, with former President Donald Trump stating that these sites were "obliterated." Despite these claims, Iran insists it does not have a nuclear weapons program, and the UN’s nuclear watchdog has found no credible evidence of such activities.
As the fighting concluded, the toll on both sides was significant. Iranian health officials reported 610 casualties, including 13 children and 49 women, while Israel’s health ministry reported 28 deaths and over 3,200 injuries.
This funeral procession reflects the deep emotions and tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict. The loss of key military and scientific figures has stirred national pride and anger, particularly against perceived foreign aggressors. As the situation develops, the implications for Iran’s military strategy and regional stability remain uncertain.