Iran holds state funerals for dozens killed in its brief war with Israel, as regional tensions simmer and international voices call for renewed diplomacy.
Iran held an emotional and patriotic state funeral in central Tehran this Saturday for around 60 people, including high‑ranking military commanders, scientists and several civilians killed during the recent 12‑day conflict with Israel.
The ceremony, which began at 08:00 local time, was marked by public mourning and speeches.
Government offices and businesses observed closures for the occasion, as mourners clad in black lined the streets, some waving Iranian flags and holding portraits of the deceased.
Among the attendees were President Masoud Pezeshkian, Quds Force chief Esmail Qaani and senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Shamkhani – who appeared using a walking cane, a visible reminder of the conflict’s toll.
Relatives of slain figures, including Major General Mohammad Bagheri – second‑in‑command of Iran’s armed forces – and nuclear scientist Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, walked in the procession alongside decorated coffins draped in national flags.
The funeral also remembered those less often honoured at such events: among the interred were four women and four children.
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Tehran defiant
Despite the sombre atmosphere, the tone of the ceremony reportedly felt unified and optimistic.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei himself had described US strikes on three Iranian nuclear installations as having “achieved nothing significant” – underscoring Tehran’s defiant stance.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump’s recent claims about Iran seeking sanctions relief were sharply rebuffed by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
He condemned the tone of Trump’s remarks about Khamenei as “disrespectful and unacceptable,” suggesting that attempts at diplomacy would falter so long as Iran’s Supreme Leader remained insulted.
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Diplomacy takes centre stage
Meanwhile, Paris has continued to voice concern over the broader regional tensions.
Reflecting on the fallout from an Israeli airstrike on Tehran's Evin prison on X earlier this week, France’s Foreign Minister Jean‑Noël Barrot described it as “unacceptable”, especially as it endangered two French nationals detained there, although fortunately they were unharmed.
Earlier in the conflict, France also confirmed it intercepted several Iranian drones destined for Israel, a move orchestrated in coordination with regional allies.
Moreover, France’s diplomatic tone has remained firm yet hopeful.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently called on all sides to “refrain from any action that could destabilise the wider region” and emphasised that diplomacy should be the first port of call.
President Macron has further urged “maximum restraint,” underscoring Israel’s right to self‑defence – and insisting strikes on civilian or non‑nuclear targets must cease immediately.
