Iran Holds Mass Funeral for Military and Nuclear Leaders After Israel Conflict
Iran is currently holding a state funeral for approximately 60 individuals, including high-ranking military commanders and nuclear scientists, who were killed during the recent 12-day conflict with Israel. The conflict concluded earlier this week with a ceasefire, following direct U.S. involvement that included the bombing of key Iranian nuclear sites.
Large crowds gathered near Enghelab Square in central Tehran, with coffins draped in the Iranian flag and bearing portraits of the deceased commanders. Among those being laid to rest is Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s highest-ranking military officer and chief of staff of the armed forces. Also being buried are Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards, and several nuclear scientists, including Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, who headed Azad University in Tehran. Mourners, dressed in black, chanted slogans, waved Iranian flags, and held portraits of the deceased.
Trump’s Continued Threats and Iranian Response
The funeral comes amidst renewed tensions, as U.S. President Donald Trump has stated he would “absolutely” consider bombing Iran again. During a White House press briefing on Friday, Trump told the BBC’s Nomia Iqbal that he would “without question” attack Iran if intelligence indicated the country could enrich uranium to concerning levels.
Trump also reiterated his claims that Iran was “decimated,” and criticized Iran’s “Supreme Leader” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for falsely asserting victory in the conflict with Israel. Trump even claimed to have known Khamenei’s sheltered location and “saved him from a very ugly and ignominious death,” adding that Khamenei “does not have to say, ‘thank-you, president Trump!'”
In response, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, warned Trump against making “disrespectful” comments about Khamenei. Araghchi posted on X that if Trump genuinely desires a deal, he should abandon his “disrespectful and unacceptable tone” towards the Supreme Leader. Araghchi also emphasized the “Great and Powerful Iranian People” do not tolerate threats and insults, and acknowledged that “excessive and serious” damage was inflicted on Iran’s nuclear sites by the recent bombings.
