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Iran Mourns Frigate Crew, Top Officials Killed in US, Israeli Strikes

A massive funeral was held in Tehran for the 104 crew members of an Iranian frigate sunk by a US submarine and for senior officials killed in Israeli strikes. Among the dead were Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani and Basij force commander Gholam-Reza Soleimani. Mourners waved flags, carried pictures of leaders, and chanted slogans against the US and Israel while pledging support for the new Supreme Leader. The ceremony featured vows of revenge for what Iran calls acts of aggression.

Key Points: Iran Funeral for Sunk Frigate Crew, Officials Killed by US, Israel

  • US submarine sank Iranian frigate, killing 104
  • Top security official Ali Larijani killed in Israeli strike
  • Funeral drew large crowds in Tehran
  • Mourners pledged allegiance to new Supreme Leader
  • Iran vows revenge for attacks
2 min read

Iran holds funeral for sunk frigate's crew, top security official, Basij force commander

Mass funeral in Tehran for 104 crew of sunken frigate and senior officials, including Ali Larijani, killed in recent US and Israeli attacks. Vows of revenge.

"They also vowed to exact revenge on the United States and Israel for their 'crimes' - Xinhua report"

Tehran, March 18

People in large numbers attended a funeral ceremony in the Iranian capital Tehran Wednesday for the crew members of a frigate sunk by the United States as well as one the country's top security officials and a high-ranking military commander killed in Israeli attacks.

On March 4, the US Navy's Los Angeles-class submarine USS Charlotte torpedoed and sunk Iran's Dena frigate in the Indian Ocean, killing 104 crew members on board, and leaving another 32 wounded.

Iran confirmed Secretary of Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Larijani and Gholam-Reza Soleimani, Chief Commander of the voluntary Basij force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, were killed Tuesday in Israeli attacks.

Along with Larijani, his son Morteza, Alireza Bayat, Deputy Secretary of the SNSC for security affairs, as well as a number of his bodyguards were killed in the Israeli strike.

On Wednesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed in a post on social media platform X that Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib has also been killed.

The ceremony, which was attended by the deceased's family members, Iranian state officials and military commanders as well as a large number of people from different walks of life, began in the iconic Enghelab Square, featuring a procession to a place in southern Tehran where martyrs are taken for a final farewell before their burial.

The mourners waved Iran's flags and held pictures of their "martyrs," including the country's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as they accompanied the bodies. They also pledged allegiance to and support for the country's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and chanted slogans against the United States and Israel, Xinhua news agency reported.

They also vowed to exact revenge on the United States and Israel for their "crimes" and killing of Iranians in their "aggression" against the country.

On February 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, killing the country's supreme leader, high-ranking military commanders and civilians. Iran responded through several waves of missile and drone attacks targetting Israel and US assets and bases in the Middle East.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So many lives lost. 104 sailors... that's heartbreaking. Regardless of politics, every life is precious. The families must be devastated. The cycle of violence and revenge just seems endless. When will world leaders prioritize dialogue over destruction? 😔
R
Rohit P
The location of the attack is the key concern. The Indian Ocean is our backyard. Any military action there directly impacts our economic and security interests. The government needs to issue a strong statement and engage diplomatically with all parties to de-escalate. We cannot afford another front of instability.
S
Sarah B
While the loss of life is tragic, we must also look at this from a strategic lens. Iran's actions in the region have often been provocative. A measured, respectful criticism: India's foreign policy has to be balanced. We have good relations with both the US and Iran, but our primary duty is to protect Indian interests, not get drawn into their feud.
K
Karthik V
This news is worrying for oil prices. Any conflict near the Strait of Hormuz sends shockwaves through the global market. As a developing economy, India is very vulnerable to oil price spikes. Hope our diplomats are working overtime to ensure energy security. Jai Hind!
M
Meera T
The human cost is always the real story, hidden behind terms like "frigate sunk" and "security official." So many sons, fathers, brothers gone. My heart goes out to the mothers and wives in Tehran today. The world needs more peace, less geopolitics. 🙏

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