TEHRAN (MNN); Thousands of Iranians gathered in Tehran on Wednesday to attend the funeral of a senior naval commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, killed in an Israeli strike, as mourners expressed defiance despite escalating tensions with the United States.
The funeral procession coincided with the 47th anniversary of the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran on April 1, 1979, following the revolution that ended centuries of monarchy. This year’s observance carried added significance as Iran continues to face sustained US-Israeli attacks since late February.
Crowds filled Enghelab Square, waving national flags and chanting slogans in support of the leadership, including references to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Many attendees also carried images of relatives and officials killed in the ongoing conflict.
The coffin of Commander Alireza Tangsiri, a long-serving and prominent IRGC figure, was carried through the crowd. He was widely regarded as a key strategist behind Iran’s control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Participants at the funeral vowed to continue resisting external pressure. Some dismissed recent remarks by Donald Trump, who claimed Iran had sought a truce—an assertion denied by Tehran. Trump also indicated that military operations would continue unless key maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, were fully secured.
Mourners rejected such statements, expressing strong support for Iran’s leadership and its response to the conflict. While some segments of the population continue to desire political reforms, public displays during the funeral reflected a broader sentiment of resistance and unity.
Despite the killing of several senior officials in recent strikes, Iran’s governing structure remains intact, and the country continues to maintain its military capabilities.
