TEHRAN: Iran began a state funeral on Saturday morning for nearly 60 people — including high-ranking military commanders and nuclear scientists — killed in recent Israeli strikes during the ongoing war. The ceremony began at 8am local time in central Tehran, with large crowds gathering to pay their respects to what the Iranian government has called “martyrs of the homeland.”
Iranian state TV broadcast the somber proceedings live, showing mourners dressed in black waving national flags and carrying portraits of the slain officials. Several coffins were seen draped in Iranian flags, lined up near Enghelab Square, each bearing the image of a fallen commander in uniform.
“This is not just a funeral — it is a national message of defiance,” one speaker declared during the ceremony. Thousands joined the funeral procession, chanting anti-Israel slogans and vowing revenge. Senior government figures, clerics, and military officials were also in attendance, underscoring the scale of the loss and its symbolic importance to Iran.
The individuals being honored were reportedly targeted in precision Israeli airstrikes in various locations, including Iran’s western border region and select Syrian outposts used by Iranian forces. The attacks marked a significant escalation in the conflict between Iran and Israel, which has intensified in recent months, especially since Iran launched missiles at Israeli territory earlier this year.
Iran Denounces Trump’s Remarks on Khamenei
Saturday’s funeral was held amid a diplomatic row triggered by recent comments from former US President Donald Trump. Earlier this week, Trump lashed out at Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling him a liar and claiming he had once spared his life by halting a strike that could have killed him.
Iran’s Foreign Minister strongly condemned Trump’s remarks, labeling them “unacceptable and reckless.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying, “Such irresponsible and inflammatory comments from a former head of state reveal the true face of US hostility toward the Iranian nation and its leadership.”
Tensions between the two nations have been mounting steadily, especially with Trump’s continued attacks on Iran’s leadership via his Truth Social platform. Tehran has accused the US of backing Israeli aggression and destabilizing the region by emboldening Tel Aviv’s military actions.
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Iranian officials say Trump’s rhetoric not only disrespects the country’s leadership but also distracts from ongoing war crimes committed against Iranian military personnel and allies. State media outlets accused the US of attempting to rewrite the narrative of the conflict through misinformation and political bluster.
Trump Rejects Reports on Nuclear Incentive Proposal
Adding to the controversy, Trump also denied reports from CNN and NBC News that his administration had discussed offering Iran as much as $30 billion in economic incentives to build civilian nuclear infrastructure in exchange for halting uranium enrichment.
“Who in the Fake News Media is the SleazeBag saying that ‘President Trump wants to give Iran $30 Billion to build non-military Nuclear facilities.’ Never heard of this ridiculous idea,” Trump wrote on Truth Social late Friday, branding the reports a “HOAX.”
CNN had reported, citing anonymous officials, that multiple proposals had been floated to reduce regional tensions through economic engagement — all still in early stages. NBC News provided a similar account, citing sources familiar with back-channel discussions.
Trump’s forceful denial, however, comes as skepticism grows over the US approach toward Iran under his potential second term. Critics argue that while Trump continues to speak aggressively, his administration had quietly explored diplomatic off-ramps in past conflicts.
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