Mass procession in Tehran for top generals, nuclear experts, and civilians as mourning grips the nation
Mass procession in Tehran for top generals, nuclear experts, and civilians as mourning grips the nation
Tehran – June 29, 2025:
Thousands of Iranians dressed in black gathered in the capital on Saturday for the funeral of high-ranking military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians killed during this month’s devastating aerial war with Israel. The funeral, held at Azadi Square, was described by state media as the “Procession of the Martyrs of Power.”
According to Iranian state media, the dead included 16 nuclear scientists and 10 senior military commanders, among them:
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Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces
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General Hossein Salami, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
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General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, Chief of the IRGC Aerospace Force
Their coffins, draped in Iranian flags and covered with rose petals by mourners, were carried through central Tehran, as chants of resistance echoed through the crowds. Press TV also broadcast images of ballistic missiles on display at the square, symbolizing military pride and defiance.
Mass prayers were held, attended by President Masoud Pezeshkian, senior military and political figures, and the injured Ali Shamkhani, advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei’s son Mojtaba was also present.
“Iranians have defended their dignity against two nuclear-armed regimes and emerged more determined than ever,”
said Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in a Telegram post.
Despite the scale of the tragedy, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has yet to make a public appearance, though two pre-recorded messages from him were aired earlier during the war.
War Timeline and Death Toll
The war began on June 13, when Israel launched a surprise aerial assault on Iranian nuclear facilities, killing several high-profile figures. Iran responded with a series of missile strikes targeting Israeli cities, military bases, and infrastructure.
The conflict escalated when the United States entered the war on June 22, launching attacks on Iranian nuclear sites. President Donald Trump later stated he would not hesitate to strike Iran again if provoked.
Israel claims the air campaign was aimed at halting Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions. Tehran, however, maintains that its nuclear program is strictly peaceful, and the UN nuclear watchdog says it has found no evidence of an active weapons program.
The Iranian Health Ministry reports that 610 people were killed and over 4,700 injured on the Iranian side before the ceasefire took effect on Tuesday. Independent activist network HRANA claims a higher death toll — 974 total deaths, including 387 civilians.
Meanwhile, Israel reported 28 deaths and over 3,200 injuries.
