Massive Funeral Procession in Tehran for 60 Commanders and Nuclear Scientists Killed in Israeli Attacks

Iran today begins an official funeral procession for 60 military commanders and nuclear scientists who were killed during Israeli strikes targeting military sites and nuclear facilities in the country during the 12-day war between the two countries.

The procession starts in the morning from "Enghelab" Square in central Tehran, passing through "Azadi" Square, one of the capital's prominent landmarks with significant historical symbolism, especially from the era of the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

It is expected that the funeral will attract thousands of Iranians, as is customary in such occasions.

The list of victims includes, in addition to prominent military commanders, four women and four children, as well as the names of prominent nuclear scientists including Mohammad Mahdavi Tehrani and his wife.

Among the senior officers being mourned by Iran are more than 30 officers, including Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Mohammad Baqeri, Revolutionary Guard Commander Hossein Salami, and Aerospace Force Commander in the Revolutionary Guard Amir Ali Hajizadeh.

So far, Iranian authorities have not announced whether Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei will lead the funeral prayer, a practice that has been customary in previous ceremonies.

The funeral procession comes amidst a ceasefire that went into effect last Tuesday, following a 12-day Israeli airstrike campaign targeting Iranian military and nuclear sites, resulting in the deaths of hundreds, including 627 civilians according to the Iranian Ministry of Health.

Iran responded by launching missiles and drones at Israel and a US base in Qatar.

This funeral procession is a major national event in Iran, reflecting the depth of the losses suffered among its military commanders and scientists during the recent military escalation.