Iran holds funeral for IRGC, nuclear conflict victims.
The solemn funeral proceedings commenced promptly at 8 a.m. local time at Enghelab (Revolution) Square, a prominent and historic site located in the heart of central Tehran. This symbolic venue, often used for significant political and national gatherings, was filled with thousands of mourners who had gathered to pay their final respects to the high-ranking Islamic
The atmosphere was one of intense grief and solemn patriotism, as families, officials, and fellow military personnel stood side by side. Many participants carried portraits of the fallen, draped in Iranian flags, while others held signs condemning Israel and vowing revenge. Prayers were offered, and Quranic recitations echoed through the square, blending with chants of defiance and national unity.
Senior Iranian leaders, including members of the IRGC high command and government officials, addressed the crowd, eulogizing the martyrs as heroes who had made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the nation’s sovereignty and scientific progress. The ceremony highlighted the deeply emotional and political nature of the loss, reinforcing national resolve amid rising regional tensions.
1. Nation in Mourning: Tehran Hosts Grand Funeral for 60 Martyrs of Israel-Iran Conflict
Tehran, June 28 — Funeral ceremonies are underway in Tehran on Saturday to honour 60 Iranian individuals, including top military commanders and prominent nuclear scientists, killed during the recent 12-day conflict with Israel. Iranian officials have described the scale of the ceremony as “historic,” both in terms of public turnout and the national significance of those being remembered.
The proceedings commenced at 8 a.m. local time at Enghelab (Revolution) Square, situated in the centre of Tehran. The ceremony began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, quoting: “Indeed, Allah defends those who believe. Truly, Allah does not love the treacherous, ungrateful ones.” This verse, selected for the occasion, set the tone of religious solemnity and defiance. The square was densely packed with mourners from all walks of life—government officials, religious leaders, ordinary citizens, students, and military personnel—demonstrating national unity in the face of loss.
2. Video Footage and Visuals Capture Emotion, Resolve
A video posted by Iran International on social media platform X shows a massive indoor gathering where thousands of mourners are seen waving Iranian flags, holding placards with images of the deceased, and chanting religious slogans. The hall, filled to capacity, reflects not only widespread grief but also determination and solidarity.
State media released multiple images and videos ahead of the procession, allegedly depicting the flag-draped coffins of several high-ranking officials. The caskets were adorned with flowers, sashes, and portraits, each symbolising the national stature of those killed. Among the most prominently mentioned were:
- General Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s armed forces’ second-highest-ranking officer
- IRGC Commander Hossein Salami
- IRGC Aerospace Force head Amir-Ali Hajizadeh
- Nuclear scientist Saeed Borji, known for his contributions to Iran’s nuclear detonation programme
These figures represented not only the country’s military hierarchy but also its scientific and strategic defence initiatives.
3. Funeral Procession and Symbolic Final Rites
Following the tributes at Enghelab Square, a funeral procession began its journey to Azadi Square, located approximately 11 kilometres to the west. This stretch between two iconic public squares symbolises a final path of honour for the deceased. Security was tight, and tens of thousands lined the route to participate in or witness the solemn passage of the coffins.
According to local reports, General Bagheri is being laid to rest beside his wife and daughter, who were also killed in the strike, highlighting the personal tragedy behind the geopolitical conflict. Likewise, Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, a well-known nuclear physicist, is also being buried with his wife, further underscoring the toll on Iran’s scientific community.
Their inclusion was meant to highlight the broader human cost and to draw attention to what Iranian authorities have labelled as indiscriminate targeting by Israeli forces.
4. Context and Aftermath of the Conflict
The hostilities began on Friday, June 13, when Israel launched a surprise series of airstrikes on Iranian soil, claiming the attacks were designed to prevent Iran from advancing its alleged nuclear weapons development. Strategic facilities and senior personnel were targeted in what Tel Aviv described as a “preventive defence strike.”
The cost, however, was steep. Iran’s health ministry reported that at least 627 individuals were killed, and over 4,900 injured, with more than 30 senior IRGC commanders among the dead, including Salami and Hajizadeh.
As Tehran buries its dead, the scale of the funeral serves as a powerful message of national resilience and unity—framing the fallen not just as victims, but as martyrs of sovereignty and scientific progress amid rising regional tensions.