TEHRAN: Funeral prayers for senior Iranian figures, including Ali Larijani, were held in Tehran on Wednesday, drawing thousands of mourners amid a sombre atmosphere following recent Israeli attacks.
According to state media, the collective funeral prayers were offered at Enqelab Square for Larijani, Basij force commander Gholam Reza Soleimani and other victims. A large number of people gathered to express grief and anger over the killings.
Separate funerals for naval casualties
Funeral prayers were also held the same day for Iranian naval personnel killed in a reported US strike on an Iranian vessel near Sri Lanka.
Leadership vows response
Iranian leadership strongly condemned the attacks, warning of a firm response. President Masoud Pezeshkian and military officials stated that retaliation for the killings was inevitable.
Officials said the response to the attacks would be “unprecedented,” signalling a possible escalation in tensions in the region.