Crowds filled the streets of Tehran on Saturday for the funeral of top Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists killed during a 12-day war with Israel. Among the dead were Revolutionary Guard chief Gen. Hossein Salami and missile program head Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh. Caskets were driven through Azadi Street as mourners chanted “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.” State media reported over 1 million attendees, though that figure could not be verified.
The funeral was attended by senior officials, including Gen. Esmail Qaani and Gen. Ali Shamkhani, who was wounded in the initial Israeli strike. Shamkhani said he awoke for dawn prayer to find his home destroyed. “Suddenly everything around me had become ruins,” he said. In total, 60 people were honored, including women and children.
Israel claims it killed 30 commanders and 11 scientists and struck eight nuclear sites. Iran launched more than 550 missiles in response, killing 28 people in Israel. President Donald Trump said talks with Iran could resume, but Iran’s parliament suspended cooperation with international inspectors. “If President Trump is genuine about wanting a deal,” wrote Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, “he should put aside the disrespectful and unacceptable tone towards Iran’s Supreme Leader.”
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