TEHRAN — Thousands of mourners gathered in central Tehran as coffins draped in Iranian flags were carried on trucks through the capital in a state-broadcast funeral procession for senior officials and naval personnel killed in the widening U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. Footage aired by Iranian state media showed crowds waving portraits and banners calling for revenge as the cortege moved through Enghelab (Revolution) Square.
Those commemorated included Ali Larijani, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council chief, and Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of the Basij paramilitary force—both killed in recent airstrikes, according to Iranian officials and international reporting. Senior government and Revolutionary Guard figures attended, delivering speeches that pledged retaliation against the United States and Israel.
The ceremony also honoured sailors from the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena, which was sunk on March 4 in international waters off Sri Lanka in an incident the United States said involved a submarine torpedo attack. Sri Lankan hospital authorities said 87 bodies were recovered, 32 sailors were rescued and treated, and around 60 were unaccounted for from an estimated crew of 180.
Reuters imagery and Sky News coverage described the Tehran funeral as a joint ceremony that included 84 sailors from the IRIS Dena, reflecting figures cited by Iranian media for those being buried in Iran as families mourned the naval losses.
The mass funeral underlined how quickly the conflict has broadened—from strikes around Tehran to attacks at sea—while Iranian leaders continue to signal that the killing of senior officials will be met with further action.
