Tehran, Iran State Funeral 2025— June 28, 2025
Massive crowds gathered in Tehran on Saturday to mourn the deaths of nearly 60 Iranian figures, including high-ranking military commanders and nuclear experts, killed during recent Israeli attacks. The state funeral took place just four days after Iran and Israel agreed to a ceasefire, ending a 12-day escalation of violence.
Thousands Mourn in Central Tehran
As early as 8 a.m. local time, mourners—dressed in black—lined the streets of Azadi Square, waving Iranian flags and holding portraits of the deceased. Military trucks carried flag-draped coffins slowly through the capital while chants of “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” echoed through the city.
Among those honored were:
- General Hossein Salami, Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC
- General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of Iran’s missile program
- Major-General Mohammad Bagheri, senior Guard official
- Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, a prominent nuclear scientist
Government officials confirmed that the casualties included four women and four children, underscoring the breadth of the loss.
Nationwide Closure for Day of Mourning
In an unprecedented move, Iran shut down all government offices nationwide to allow public servants to join the funeral. Key religious leaders, military officials, and tens of thousands of civilians filled Tehran’s major boulevards in solidarity.
Live footage on state television showed sweeping aerial views of mourners, offering a vivid image of national grief and unity.
Trump’s Comments Spark Diplomatic Clash
The funeral was overshadowed by a heated online exchange between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian officials. On Truth Social, Trump claimed he knew “exactly where Khamenei was hiding” and had nearly lifted sanctions before the Supreme Leader’s remarks about “winning the war.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi quickly responded on X (formerly Twitter):
“If President Trump truly wants an agreement, he needs to abandon his disrespectful language toward Iran’s Supreme Leader.”
Analysts noted that publicly targeting Ayatollah Khamenei—a deeply revered religious figure in Shia Islam—further escalated tensions.
The 12-Day War: What Happened?
The conflict began on June 13, when Israel launched a series of coordinated air and cyber attacks on Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure.
Key Events from the Conflict:
- Israel targeted eight nuclear facilities, claiming major damage.
- Iran reported 30 senior commanders and 11 nuclear scientists killed.
- Iran retaliated with over 550 missiles; most were intercepted, but some hit cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa, killing 28 civilians.
- The U.S. joined the assault, hitting three Iranian nuclear sites, claiming it set Iran’s nuclear program back by “decades”—a claim Iran denies.
Despite the brief duration, the war inflicted heavy losses and left both sides reeling.
Khamenei Absent from Public Coverage
Notably, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei did not appear at the funeral. While he traditionally offers prayers in private, his absence from public view sparked speculation.
State media did not explain why he stayed away. Some believe security concerns or health issues may have influenced the decision.
No Talks Planned After Ceasefire
Although the ceasefire has paused military activity, Iranian officials dismissed the possibility of resuming nuclear negotiations. According to statements from the Supreme Leader’s office, Iran’s nuclear program remains “intact and unhindered,” directly rejecting claims of severe damage made by Israel and the U.S.
These declarations suggest a hardened stance and little room for diplomacy in the near term.
Final Reflections: Regional Tensions Remain High
Saturday’s state funeral not only honored the dead but also highlighted the high cost of the most intense Iran-Israel conflict in years. The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the fragility of peace in the Middle East.
As Iran recovers and reassesses its military and nuclear strategy, the world waits to see whether this conflict will trigger renewed negotiations or lead to further escalation.
