Mournful but defiant, Iranians bid farewell to victims of conflict with Israel

Large crowds of mourners from all walks of life, dressed in black, gathered in the Iranian capital, Tehran, on Saturday for the state funeral of the military commanders and nuclear scientists killed during the 12-day conflict with Israel, expressing their determination to defend their homeland.

They waved Iranian flags, chanted slogans, and carried pictures of the "martyred" commanders and nuclear scientists.

According to Iranian state media, at least 16 scientists and 10 senior commanders were killed in the conflict, including IRGC Chief Commander Hossein Salami, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri, and IRGC Aerospace Division Commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh. The casualties also included Gholam Ali Rashid, former chief commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, and his successor, Ali Shadmani.

The somber yet resolute mood was palpable among the throngs of mourners, who voiced their unwavering confidence in the motherland.

"They assassinate our scientists -- this is a sign of their weakness. It shows their desperation. They have no other choice. They cannot confront the great nation of Iran," said Mehdi, one of the mourners.

"We want to show America and Israel that the people of Iran always stand united, despite all the economic problems we currently face -- that's a separate issue. This is about our land. It's about our honor. It's about our homeland. We are here out of love for our leaders, out of love for His Eminence, out of love for our armed forces. We are here to tell them they are not alone. We stand behind them," said Hesam, another mourner.

The mourners' expressions of defiance and unity were mirrored by their unwavering resolve to defend their nation.

"We are not warmongers, but if they attack, we will respond decisively, as we have before, and even more forcefully. We want our leaders to stand firm, and they must continue to do so until the enemy is completely crushed," said Jamileh, one of the female mourners.

"History has shown that Iran has always stood on the side of justice in all arenas. Iran demands justice for the innocent blood of Lebanese children, the innocent blood of Palestinian children. Here we see that the innocent blood of Iranian children has also been spilled. The world must know that everyone present in this crowd stands on the side of truth and justice," said Kourosh, his voice reflecting the mood of the mourners.

Marjan, another woman among the mourners, made her stance clear.

"The message we want to send to Israel is that the people will never abandon their leader. All the conspiracies you have plotted against us have backfired on you and America," she said.

"Look at what we are doing here, and what we've planned and executed. Any country that dares to invade Iran will face the same fate. Look at these people -- they're still standing strong in this heat, under this scorching sun," said Hassan, standing among the crowd.

"We, Islamic Iran, have come to show the whole world that we stand by our nation. No matter what happens, we stand by our country. We won't let any foreigner take even an inch of our homeland's soil," said Ali, his voice firm with defiance.

On June 13, Israel launched major airstrikes on different areas in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing several senior commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians. Iran responded by launching several waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel.

Following the 12-day war, a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was achieved on Tuesday.

Mournful but defiant, Iranians bid farewell to victims of conflict with Israel

Mournful but defiant, Iranians bid farewell to victims of conflict with Israel

Mournful but defiant, Iranians bid farewell to victims of conflict with Israel

Mournful but defiant, Iranians bid farewell to victims of conflict with Israel

Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.

During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.

China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.

Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.

China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.

On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.

Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.

Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.

On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.

China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation

China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation