Tehran funeral procession turns into vow of defiance against 'Israel'
5 Min Read
As tens of thousands mourn in Tehran, Iranian leaders condemn foreign aggression, accuse the IAEA of espionage, and declare that dignity and sovereignty will never be compromised.
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Mourners gather around the flag-draped coffins of the Iranian Armed Forces generals, nuclear scientists, and their family members on the trucks, who were killed in Israeli strikes, during their funeral ceremony in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 28, 2025 (AP)
During a massive funeral procession on Saturday in Tehran, held for victims of the latest Israeli aggression on Iran, top Iranian officials issued stern warnings against continued foreign aggression and hailed the full suspension of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The funeral, attended by thousands of mourners and high-ranking officials, became a potent symbol of Iran’s resolve in the face of foreign threats.
Iranian President Masoud #Pezeshkian was seen paying his respect to the martyrs killed in the Israeli aggression on the country, including security leaders, nuclear scientists, and civilians, as he took part in the massive funeral held in the capital, #Tehran.
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) June 28, 2025
Several senior… pic.twitter.com/xim3LROrKb
Addressing the crowds, Iranian Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei emphasized that the sacrifices of the martyrs would accelerate the nation’s progress. “The blood of our martyrs will hasten the realization of our national goals,” he declared, adding, “We do not surrender, and we will never trade our dignity.”
In a direct critique of the UN’s nuclear watchdog, Ejei accused the IAEA of leaking sensitive information and failing to uphold professional standards. “It is no longer a trustworthy institution,” he said, confirming that Iran is halting cooperation with the agency over national security concerns.
Iranian students salute those martyred in the Israeli war on #Iran.
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) June 28, 2025
Students participated in the funeral procession taking place in #Tehran, where citizens came in from all around Iran for public mourning. pic.twitter.com/CwTY1EhkbW
'Our finger is on the trigger'
Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni underscored Iran’s readiness to respond. “Our finger is on the trigger, ready to respond to any malicious move by the enemy,” he stated.
Praising the unity of the Iranian people, Momeni affirmed that the nation stands as one when it comes to defending its sovereignty.
MP Rasai lauds total freeze in IAEA cooperation
On his part, Iranian member of parliament Hamid Rasai lauded a total freeze in IAEA cooperation. “Inspectors and IAEA Director Rafael Grossi will not be allowed into the country, and surveillance cameras will be shut down,” he said, accusing the agency of serving as “a tool of espionage for hostile powers.”
In a similar vein, the head of Iran's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, Ebrahim Azizi, blamed the IAEA’s biased reports for fueling the Israeli aggression. He emphasized that Iran had fully complied with its commitments under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and offered access to its peaceful nuclear facilities.
“But the agency has strayed from its professional role and aligned itself with global powers,” Azizi said. He declared that cooperation would not resume until Iran’s right to enrich uranium is recognized and the safety of its nuclear sites is guaranteed.
'Iran delivered blow to Zionist regime'
Mohsen Rezaei, a member of Iran's Expediency Discernment Council, asserted that the recent attack has only fortified Iran’s regional influence. “The Iranian people have entered a new era politically, rising toward greater influence,” he stated. “We have delivered a mighty blow to the Zionist regime.”
Rezaei added that Iran’s Armed Forces remain vigilant: “They will give their last drop of blood to protect the people.”
In a related development, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared that his nation had sacrificed lives but not its dignity during the 12-day Israeli aggression.
'Iranians gave blood, not land': Araghchi
In a post on his Instagram account, Araghchi stated: “Iranians gave blood, not land; gave their loved ones, not honor; they withstood a thousand-ton rain of bombs, but did not surrender.”
Emphasizing Iran’s unwavering stance, he added: “We do not recognize the word surrender.”
Iran unites in mourning, honors martyrs in mass funeral
Tens of thousands of Iranians filled Tehran’s Enghelab (Revolution) Square on Saturday to participate in the funeral procession of 60 martyrs killed during the recent Israeli aggression. Among the mourners were President Masoud Pezeshkian, Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, as well as former Iranian Presidential Advisor Mohammad Javad Zarif, in addition to official delegations from Bahrain, Iraq, and other Arab nations, standing in solidarity with the Islamic Republic.
Iranian President Masoud #Pezeshkian was seen paying his respect to the martyrs killed in the Israeli aggression on the country, including security leaders, nuclear scientists, and civilians, as he took part in the massive funeral held in the capital, #Tehran.
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) June 28, 2025
Several senior… pic.twitter.com/xim3LROrKb
Ali Shamkhani, the Senior Advisor to Iranian Leader Sayyed Ali, also attended the massive funeral procession in Tehran. The Israeli occupation had claimed it had assassinated Shamkhani at the beginning of the Israeli war on Iran; however, the top advisor sustained injuries in the failed Israeli attempt.
Member of the Iranian Shura Council, Hamid Rasaei, said the martyrdom of the leaders and scholars does not stand in the way of development.
Speaking on the sidelines of the funeral ceremony, Rasaei said, "Today's million-strong turnout proves that the revolution in Iran belongs to all its people."
The Shura Council member asserted that the people are the most prominent force behind any country, "and our people do not fear threats nor are they defeated by the schemes of their enemies."
Wider context
The aggression against Iran erupted when "Israel" launched a series of deadly strikes on June 13, targeting military and civilian sites.
The United States escalated the assault by bombing three Iranian nuclear facilities in a clear act of provocation.
Despite the devastation and loss, Iran stood firm, retaliating with strength and forcing both aggressors to call for a ceasefire. Though "Israel" and the US claimed success, Iran dismissed their actions as futile, reaffirming its sovereignty and unbroken resolve.
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