ISLAMABAD: Iran has begun a large-scale state funeral to honour dozens of senior military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians killed during its 16-day war with Israel.
The ceremony, held in Tehran early Saturday morning, comes just days after a ceasefire ended the most violent confrontation between the two nations in recent years.
Thousands gathered to pay respects to what Iran officially calls “martyrs of national defense,” waving Iranian flags and holding portraits of the deceased.
State television broadcast emotional scenes of mourners in black, while government officials vowed to pursue justice for what they described as Israeli war crimes.
Iran’s Health Ministry reported that 610 Iranians lost their lives during the conflict, including 13 children and 49 women.
However, independent human rights group HRANA claimed the toll was significantly higher, placing the number at 974, with 387 civilian deaths.
Heavy Losses and Global Fallout
The war, which erupted on June 13 after Israel launched strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, has left a deep impact across both countries.
According to Israeli officials, more than 30 top Iranian military leaders and 11 nuclear scientists were killed in precision strikes during the initial days of the conflict.
Israel, meanwhile, reported 28 fatalities and over 3,200 injuries.
In a significant escalation, the United States bombed three nuclear facilities inside Iran.
Tehran responded with missile attacks on American military bases in Iraq and Qatar, raising fears of a broader regional war.
Iranian President and defense officials praised the military’s retaliation as “measured yet firm,” claiming it prevented a wider uncontrollable conflict.
Trump Sparks Outrage with Khamenei Remarks
Adding to the tension, former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed he “saved” Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from an “ugly death” by holding back coordinated strikes with Israel.
Iran swiftly condemned the comments, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi calling them “disrespectful and unacceptable.”
He urged Trump to stop undermining diplomatic efforts with inflammatory language.
Araghchi added that the Iranian people would never forget the attacks nor the Western support behind them.
As the region takes stock of the destruction, experts warn that while the bombs have stopped, the war’s political and humanitarian consequences have only just begun.
Keywords: IranWar, Funeral, Khamenei
