Tehran holds state funeral for military officers, scientists killed in Israeli attack

Thousands gathered in Tehran on Saturday for a large funeral procession honouring Iranian military officers and scientists killed in an Israeli strike earlier this month, reports Reuters.

The ceremony, held at Inqilab (Revolution) Square, saw mourners dressed in black, carrying national flags and photos of the deceased. Participants chanted slogans condemning the United States and Israel.

Iran's newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian attended the event alongside representatives from Arab countries including Bahrain and Iraq. The coffins, draped in Iranian flags, were carried in procession from Inqilab Square to Azadi (Freedom) Square.

Among the dead are Major General Mohammad Bagheri, head of Iran's armed forces, nuclear scientist Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, and former IRGC chief Hossein Salami. A total of 30 senior military officers and four children were confirmed killed. Iran's Health Ministry reported 627 people killed and 4,870 wounded in related attacks to date.

Speakers condemned the strike and highlighted Iran's resilience amid ongoing aid shortages and blockades. Mohsen Mahmoudi, head of Tehran's Islamic Development Coordination Council, described the day as historic for Iran's revolution.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on social media he had prevented a "terrible death" for Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the remarks as insulting and reaffirmed Iran's refusal to concede defeat.

The attacks began on June 13, when Israel targeted Iranian military and civilian sites. The United States subsequently bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran retaliated, leading to calls for a ceasefire from both sides.