Thousands mourn top Iranian military commanders, scientists killed in Israeli strikes
DUBAI: Thousands of mourners lined the streets of downtown Tehran on Saturday for the funeral of the head of the Revolutionary Guard and other top commanders and nuclear scientists killed during a 12-day war with Israel.
The caskets of Guard's chief Gen. Hossein Salami, the head of the Guard's ballistic missile programme, Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh and others were driven on trucks along the capital's Azadi Street.
Salami and Hajizadeh were both killed on the first day of the war, June 13, as Israel launched a war it said meant to destroy Iran's nuclear programme, specifically targeting military commanders, scientists and nuclear facilities.
Over 12 days before a ceasefire was declared on Tuesday, Israel claimed it killed around 30 Iranian commanders and 11 nuclear scientists, while hitting eight nuclear-related facilities and more than 720 military infrastructure sites.
More than 1,000 people were killed, including at least 417 civilians, according to the Washington-based Human Rights Activists group.
Iran fired more than 550 ballistic missiles at Israel, most of which were intercepted, but those that got through caused damage in many areas and killed 28 people.
Saturday's ceremonies were the first public funerals for top commanders since the ceasefire, and Iranian state television reported that they were for 60 people in total, including four women and four children.
Authorities closed government offices to allow public servants to attend the ceremonies.
Iran has always insisted its nuclear programme is only for peaceful purposes.
But Israel views it as an existential threat and said its military campaign was necessary to prevent Iran from building an atomic weapon.
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First Post
an hour ago
- First Post
From proxy war to direct conflict: New strategic era in West Asia
The resilience of the Iranian regime, despite internal opposition and relentless external pressures, suggests that sudden or externally driven regime change is unlikely. Instead, such pressures could strengthen hardliners or provoke a more radical response read more The twelve-day war between Iran and Israel and the direct bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities by the US dramatically ended in a fragile ceasefire – as usual announced by President Trump. In West Asia a direct war between Tel Aviv and Tehran has mostly been seen with the deepest concern, and everyone hoped the inevitable would not happen as the two rivals continued to suffer from Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD) syndrome. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, the worst has been averted, and all sides have claimed victory in the bargain as the existential threat matrix remains robust. It is perhaps a matter of time that the two will try to decimate the other in a clandestine or a direct confrontation. This time round, even though not a very major destruction of Iran's nuclear programme may not have taken place, surely it may have set back its enrichment capability to some extent. Hopefully, Tehran and Washington will resume talks on the 'Trumpian Deal' in lieu of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which had been interrupted by Israeli strikes and the decapitation of Iranian military and nuclear leadership. Iran retaliated strongly and even avenged the US strikes by hitting, even if symbolically, at their Al-Udaid base in Qatar. Doha played a remarkable role in the ensuing ceasefire. The escalating conflict between Iran and Israel ignited a deeply concerning regional crisis with far-reaching multidimensional geopolitical and economic ramifications. What commenced as a prolonged, simmering rivalry violently erupted into direct military confrontations. This has inevitably drawn in external powers and cast an ominous shadow over the stability of the Middle East. It is useful to examine the current instances of ceasefire violations, discuss the significant role of US involvement in shaping its direction, and assess the impact on Iran's nuclear programme and strategic capabilities. Break down the effects on global oil prices and the importance of the Strait of Hormuz, and highlight the actions and motivations of various external players. Also explore the repercussions for neighbouring Gulf states, and finally, consider the uncertain possibility of regime change in Iran. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The situation developed quickly, marked by a dangerous cycle of direct military escalation. It is apparent that there is an increase in hostilities, with the United States openly joining Israel's bombing campaign against Iran's nuclear program. This unprecedented military effort, known as 'Operation Midnight Hammer' by the US, involved a major air assault that commenced on June 13, 2025, followed by coordinated strikes on June 21, 2025. These actions represent a significant shift from earlier, secretive operations to open, large-scale military intervention. They involved advanced B-2 bombers and powerful 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrators targeting Iran's underground nuclear sites. In response, Iran quickly launched its retaliatory actions, resulting in escalating violence. This ongoing cycle demonstrated a deeply rooted pattern of hostility, pushing the region closer to the brink of a large-scale war. The airstrikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure in June 2025 are not isolated. They reflect a profound intervention with serious implications for regional stability and global security. The current situation suggests intensification of the conflict rather than a clear path to de-escalation, as both sides remain committed to asserting their strength through military means. 'Peace through Strength' appears to be the dictum. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Amid rising tensions, attempts to reduce conflict through diplomacy and ceasefires have proven fragile and largely ineffective. On June 24, 2025, it was revealed that, despite a ceasefire agreement slated to start, both Israel and Iran continued to fight with no decrease in intensity. Global figures, like US President Donald Trump, expressed strong disapproval, accusing both parties of violating the ceasefire and calling for immediate tension reduction. This consistent disregard for peace efforts highlights deep mistrust, conflicting strategic goals, and a lack of reconciliation that fuels this ongoing conflict. The military and political goals of both sides currently seem to overshadow any genuine interest in lasting peace, favouring confrontation over a temporary truce. US involvement is shaping the conflict significantly, turning what began as a regional issue into a potential international crisis. The US military's direct strikes on key Iranian nuclear sites as part of 'Operation Midnight Hammer' mark a critical shift from previous, often indirect actions. This aggressive stance aims to weaken Iran's nuclear capabilities permanently and possibly alter the regime's long-term strategy. While these strikes could pressure Iran to negotiate, they also pose the risk of sparking a broader, more destructive conflict with widespread consequences. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The United States is navigating a delicate balance, trying to deter Iran's aggressive actions while avoiding a full-blown war. This balance becomes riskier with each military action taken. The partnership between the US and Israel affects the conflict's intensity, geographic scope, and ultimate resolution. Every decision made carries significant weight for both regional and global stability. Ironically, everyone, including Iran, doesn't want a nuclear bomb. Iran's nuclear program has consistently been a primary target of intensified military operations. Early assessments after the US and Israeli strikes indicate serious damage to three key nuclear sites: Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. Natanz, recognised as Iran's largest uranium enrichment centre, reportedly suffered major damage to its above-ground electrical substation and its pilot fuel enrichment facility. Fordow, designed to be heavily fortified and buried, was bombed, causing extensive destruction and visible smoke. Isfahan, suspected of possibly holding near weapons-grade nuclear fuel, also faced direct US missile strikes, leading to the destruction of buildings at the site. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD These orchestrated attacks aimed to significantly hinder Iran's nuclear ambitions. If successful, 'Operation Midnight Hammer' could stop Iran from increasing its stockpile of highly enriched uranium or enriching existing stockpiles to weapons-grade levels. However, it has been observed that Iran already has enough uranium to make up to nine nuclear bombs, which means it still has the materials to create nuclear weapons. The longer the location of this highly enriched uranium stockpile remains unknown, the greater the risk of proliferation and global anxiety. Concerns persist about potential nuclear fallout and the risk of strikes igniting explosions that spread nuclear materials, raising health and environmental worries. Iran has vowed to continue its nuclear program despite these strikes, signalling that destroying facilities may not be enough to disrupt its strategic goals. The International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) inability to effectively monitor Iran's uranium stockpile, combined with its confirmation of serious structural damage but no immediate release of radiation, adds to global concerns about nuclear proliferation and complicates the oversight of nuclear materials. The Iranian Parliament had passed a bill to suspend funding and cooperation with the IAEA, accusing it of a partisan attitude. It even threatened to reconsider Iran's membership of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty (NPT). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The escalating conflict has had immediate and significant effects on global oil prices, creating volatility in international markets. The targeting of Iranian assets and heightened geopolitical tensions have pushed Brent crude prices above $80 per barrel after the US strikes. These prices have remained elevated, fluctuating in the $70-$78 range, significantly above pre-escalation levels. The potential for the conflict to expand or for Iranian oil exports to stop entirely due to blockades could drive Brent crude prices to $90 per barrel and higher throughout 2026. The worst-case scenario would be the total closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint. If that happened, Brent crude prices could soar to $130 per barrel. This illustrates the fragile nature of global energy markets amid Middle Eastern instability. Any significant disruption in supply from a major producer like Iran has immediate and severe economic consequences that spread worldwide, affecting transportation to manufacturing costs. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, playing a vital role in global oil and LNG markets. The ongoing conflict poses a serious risk to exports moving through this crucial route. Although commercial traffic continues, the threat to global energy and maritime interests remains high if the conflict escalates. Iran's ability to export around 2.2 million barrels of oil per day through Hormuz underscores its strategic importance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Any major obstruction or a complete closure of the Strait, even temporarily, would have catastrophic effects on global energy security and economic health, prompting widespread contingency planning and panic across major oil-consuming nations. The impact on the global economy if this lifeline were cut could lead to an energy crisis and a severe economic downturn. External players are navigating this unpredictable landscape with varying degrees of involvement and concern. Russia, for example, aims to maintain good relations with all parties, seeing the conflict as fluid and likely to change. Its partnership with Iran does not require military intervention in Tehran's defence, but Russia is genuinely worried about a pro-Western shift or regime collapse in Iran, given its broader geopolitical interests. Russia wants to benefit from fluctuating oil prices and arms sales but is reluctant to commit militarily. China, another major external actor, consistently calls for de-escalation through diplomatic means but has largely remained non-committal. It prioritises its significant economic ties with all parties, including vital energy imports from the region. Gulf countries, Iran's immediate neighbours who feel the brunt of regional instability, have publicly avoided condemning US actions while not explicitly supporting them. Instead, they are trying to navigate a delicate path to minimise the conflict's impact on their territories and economies. Their actions reflect a deep concern for regional stability and a desire to avoid deeper involvement in a potentially devastating conflict. The conflict's effects on the Gulf states are substantial, threatening both their economic stability and security. Many of these countries are major oil and gas producers facing direct threats to energy exports and increased maritime insecurity. The potential for regional instability to deter foreign investment and harm their tourism sectors is also significant. Furthermore, rising tensions between Iran and the US-Israel alliance force these nations to reassess their defence strategies, strengthen security, and rethink long-standing diplomatic ties. Although they publicly seek to stay neutral, immense pressure on their security and economic interests compels them to recalibrate their complex relationships with Western powers and an unpredictable Iran. The fear of being caught in the crossfire of a larger conflict is a constant anxiety that shapes their strategic choices, pushing them to respond quickly to a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. Finally, the possibility of regime change in Iran remains a complex and uncertain issue. The recent US strikes, aimed at undermining Iran's nuclear capabilities, also intend to put pressure on the Iranian regime from within. Economic challenges in Iran are adding to existing domestic unrest, reflected in projected GDP decline, high unemployment, and rising inflation. The hints of Iranian regime change and reduced missile stockpiles further weakened the regime's military standing. While the US may wish to alter Iran's path, history shows that external interventions rarely lead to desired political changes and often result in unexpected consequences. The resilience of the Iranian regime, despite internal opposition and relentless external pressures, suggests that sudden or externally driven regime change is unlikely. Instead, such pressures could strengthen hardliners or provoke a more radical response. Israel needed to be reined in from indulging in the assassination of the supreme leader by President Trump, who in any case passed on the military authority to the Revolutionary Guards and identified his successor. This would have led to a major challenge. For the time being, the fragile peace and ceasefire are holding on as the Gazans once again face the wrath of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). With various external powers pursuing their interests, the Gulf states must deal with the direct fallout of increased regional instability and uncertainty. A constant united international response is essential to ease tensions and stop the region from falling into a catastrophic war, which would have unimaginable global effects. Even if it was a fixed match, Tehran will have to reassure its Gulf partners of its true intent, as sovereignty violations are taken very seriously. Qatar said that these attacks on US bases there have left a 'scar' in their relations with Tehran. Anil Trigunayat is a distinguished Fellow at Vivekananda International Foundation and Vedika Znwar is a researcher in international relations and geo-politics. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
Mint
an hour ago
- Mint
Life in Iran after the strikes: Executions, arrests and paranoia
As soon as U.S. and Israeli bombs stopped raining down on Iran, the country's theocratic leaders and the security forces emerged from their bunkers and began waging a new campaign—this time against their own people, targeting alleged spies, dissidents and opposition figures. Checkpoints have sprung up across Tehran as the authorities seek to reassert control and hunt people they suspect helped Israel's attacks on air defenses, nuclear sites, and top officers and atomic scientists in a 12-day air war that exposed the state's inability to defend itself. As the smell of high explosives hung in the air of the capital, police and intelligence officers arrested hundreds of people, and are detaining more each day. Armed paramilitary police are patrolling the streets. People are being stopped and having their cars, phones and computers searched. The government announced the hasty execution of at least six men. 'The situation for Iranian people is more dangerous now than before the war," said Narges Mohammadi, a Nobel Prize-winning Iranian human-rights activist who is one of the country's highest profile opposition figures. She said the regime would do what it takes to consolidate power and is cracking down. More than 1,000 people have been detained over the past two weeks for allegedly aiding Israel, according to Amnesty International. Esmail Qaani—who leads the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' elite Quds Force and was reported to have been killed—appeared at a pro-regime rally in Tehran hours after the cease-fire began, according to a video posted by Revolutionary Guard-affiliated Tasnim News Agency. Wearing a black beret, he appeared on a busy street crowded with regime supporters who waved Iranian flags. The Shia Islamist regime has also stepped up efforts to enforce the regime's strict rules governing what it considers to be appropriate behavior and dress. 'The morality police are back," said a 44-year-old woman who said she had fled Tehran during the war. 'The police even stopped us and questioned us, because the socks of the woman with me were too see-through." Israeli and U.S. airstrikes marked the first time Iran had come under sustained foreign attack on its own soil since an eight-year war with Iraq in the 1980s. The capital, Tehran, emerged as a primary war zone, and the Revolutionary Guard found itself in the crosshairs. Throughout the strikes, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei sheltered in a bunker outside Tehran, unreachable by anyone but his closest allies, according to an Arab official briefed on the matter and an adviser to the Revolutionary Guard. His isolation complicated talks in Geneva with European nations seeking to mediate an end to the war, Arab officials said. On Thursday, he spoke to the nation for the first time since June 19, seeking to play down the damage from the attack and rally the nation around the Iranian flag. 'The Islamic Republic was victorious, and in return dealt a harsh blow to America's face," he said in a hoarse voice. The attacks showed how deeply Israel's Mossad intelligence agency had infiltrated Iran. They slipped explosive drones and other munitions into Iran, where they were used by teams of agents to take out air defenses and kill high profile targets. 'The Israelis organized penetrations, transfers of bombs and explosives, and recruited people from within," Mohammad Amin-Nejad, Iran's ambassador to France, told French broadcaster France 24 last week. It happened 'right before our eyes. There were vulnerabilities." The atmosphere in Tehran remains tense as people start heading back to work and trying to resume normal life, residents reached by phone said. Iran's state-controlled media report new arrests and weapons seizures every day. Authorities said Tuesday they had filed 24 cases against alleged Israeli spies in Hamedan, a western Iranian city whose air base was heavily damaged on the first day of the strikes. The suspects 'were sending information, photos, and videos to the enemy," a media report said. Access to the internet was restored Wednesday after being cut off for more than a week. But an official warning not to use messaging services such as WhatsApp was still in effect. The regime says it fears Israeli spies could hack into conversations and gain information. On Wednesday, Iran's intelligence ministry told residents to report any suspicious calls. Earlier, it passed out a set of tips about how to spot a spy. The guidance warned citizens to watch their neighbors for comings and goings at odd hours; heavy use of masks, hats and sunglasses; and signs like metallic banging inside their homes. Spies, the tips said, might live in houses with 'curtains that remain closed even during daylight hours." The domestic crackdown is adding to the widespread feeling of anxiety caused by the war. Dozens of Israeli strikes pounded Tehran, taking aim at missile and nuclear facilities, as well as symbols of the regime and its repression, including the infamous Evin Prison, where political prisoners are held. Tehran's affluent northern neighborhoods, home to many of the targeted nuclear scientists and senior commanders, were some of the worst-hit in the air campaign, rattling the city's elite. Tehran experienced some of the most intense bombardments of the war just hours before the cease-fire came into effect. Residents spent many of their nights awake, sometimes watching the war unfold from their balconies and rooftops, as missiles flashed across the sky followed by explosions and fires. Iran's health ministry said more than 600 people were killed and more than 4,800 injured during the war, according to state-run media, which didn't say how many were from the armed forces. While Iran remained defiant, it took precautions by transporting some of its most precious assets abroad. After Israel began targeting some energy infrastructure, Iran began transferring large amounts of stored crude to Asia, said Homayoun Falakshahi, head of crude-oil analysis at data commodities company Kpler. As of June 22, the quantity of stored crude at Kharg Island—Iran's main point of oil exports—had dropped, while volumes of Iranian oil stored near Singapore and China had risen, he said. The roughly five million barrels likely transferred abroad were worth about $375 million at oil prices prevailing at the time. Last week, Iran flew at least four civilian aircraft to the Omani capital of Muscat for safekeeping. One of the planes included Iran's presidential Airbus A340, which landed in Muscat on June 18, according to flight trackers. Arab officials were surprised to learn the planes were empty of passengers. Instead, they said, they carried cash and assets, which Iranians weren't allowed to offload because of sanctions. The planes themselves were also valuable as emergency exits for top officials. The precautions show the level of pressure on Iran's rulers during the war. They now have to find a way forward with no control of their own airspace and no help from their militias. A crippling burden of sanctions will make rebuilding even harder. 'This was one of the most serious security breaches in the regime's history, but it wasn't a turning point. The leadership held, the streets stayed quiet, and the system proved again that it's built not for popularity, but for survival," said Narges Bajoghli, associate professor at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. 'Iran's system is built to withstand shocks," Bajoghli said. 'The regime hasn't collapsed. It's adapting, and younger IRGC and paramilitary cadres are stepping in—many of them more hard-line than those who were killed." Write to Sudarsan Raghavan at Sune Engel Rasmussen at and Margherita Stancati at
Mint
an hour ago
- Mint
On US ‘vague' social media visa rule, Indian students anxious: ‘Even memes feel risky now'
A 24-year-old from Delhi, recently admitted to Harvard University, now starts his day by checking his Instagram account. 'Every few hours, I think of how an old post may be problematic, and then delete it,' he says. 'Even memes feel risky now.' He is among several Indian students who shared their growing concerns with The Indian Express over a new US rule that asks all F, M, and J visa applicants to make their social media profiles public. The advisory, issued in the name of 'national security and public safety,' asks applicants to adjust their privacy settings so that US consular officers can review their accounts. In previous years, only publicly visible content was checked. The US now treats every visa application as a 'national security decision.' Applicants must provide usernames or handles for all social media platforms used in the last five years. The US Embassy in India warned on Thursday that failure to share this information 'could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future visas.' 'I gave my interview earlier in June, and I'm still waiting for my visa,' a Delhi-based student was quoted as saying by Indian Express. 'The guideline is very vague. It says 'anything that violates American values.' We don't even know what that is supposed to mean.' The lack of clarity has left many students stressed, as they are unsure what kind of posts may raise red flags. A 23-year-old from Mumbai, also admitted to Harvard, said he made all his accounts public on 22 May — the day he submitted his DS-160 visa application form. 'Since then, I've archived everything even remotely political. I've stopped liking posts too, just in case even that is visible,' he says. Career counselling firms say they've had to adjust quickly to guide students in managing their digital presence. 'The recent US government directive is a significant development — but one that serious academically-oriented applicants can certainly navigate successfully,' Aman Singh, co-founder of GradRight, Gurgaon told Indian Express. 'Our core guidance now focuses on helping students understand and actively manage their digital footprint. It's about being mindful and authentic.' According to Singh, while the number of Indian students going to the US has dropped by 20–25% in the past 6–8 months, loan approvals for students admitted to top universities through GradRight have increased by 60%. 'The appeal of US universities remains strong. For strong, high-intent students, the process is still working,' he adds. Still, students say the uncertainty is stressful. Many are second-guessing posts that once seemed completely harmless.
