Iran is holding a state funeral today for about sixty high-ranking military officers and nuclear scientists killed during Israeli bombings in a 12-day conflict. Among the dead are several senior commanders of the Iranian armed forces and about a dozen leading nuclear scientists. Iranian authorities have called this day historic, with the funeral starting early this morning in Tehran. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has led state funerals in the past but it is unconfirmed if he will appear today, as he has not been seen in public for over a week. Israeli officials claim to have killed over 30 high-ranking Iranian security officials and 11 leading nuclear scientists, delivering a major blow to Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Iran denies developing nuclear weapons and insists it has the right to pursue a civilian nuclear program. According to Iran’s health ministry, at least 4 civilians were killed and nearly 4,000 injured during the conflict. Israeli retaliation left 28 dead on their side. This tragedy raises many questions about the future of the region and Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
