TEHRAN — Iran held a large-scale funeral procession on Monday for 100 unidentified martyrs of the Iraqi war of the 1980s, marking the occasion on the anniversary of the martyrdom of Fatima al-Zahra, the blessed daughter of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him). 
The ceremony began outside the University of Tehran and proceeded along Enqelab Street, perfuming the city with the solemnity of sacrifice.
The event drew wide participation from the public, including families of martyrs, members of the Basij volunteer forces, and officials from across the country. 
Among the speakers was Ahmad Reza Radan, commander of the Iranian national police, who emphasized the enduring role of martyrdom in national security. 
“Experience from the Islamic Revolution, the Sacred Defense, and 45 years of overcoming sedition and threats shows that the spirit of sacrifice and martyrdom is the backbone of Iran’s national security,” he said.
Radan highlighted that while defensive capabilities and modern equipment are important, they alone cannot ensure security without a culture of selflessness and sacrifice. 
“A society that honors its martyrs with respect finds invincibility in the path of resistance and devotion,” he said.
The procession carried the martyrs from the main entrance of the University of Tehran through Enqelab Street, Hafez Bridge, and Behesht Street to the Martyrs’ Cemetery. Simultaneously, 200 other unidentified martyrs were being honored across Iran, in a display of nationwide reverence.
Speaking on the spiritual and social significance of the martyrs, Radan said the resting places of the fallen were more than burial sites. 
“These graves are not just resting places, they become the qibla of the hearts of the devoted,” he said, likening them to shrines where people seek blessings and solace. “Martyrs become sources of hope and guidance for the community,” he added.
He stressed that martyrs are not merely military heroes, but teachers of ethics, wisdom, and civic consciousness. “Every line of a martyr’s testament teaches a way of life, struggle, proper thinking, and selflessness,” he said. “They are our educators — teachers of morality, insight, and a way of life.”
The ceremony also highlighted the collective resilience of the Iranian people. Radan described how public unity and adherence to the guidance of the Supreme Leader had been decisive during past conflicts, including the 12-day war against the United States and Israel. He said that the nation’s steadfastness, rooted in the culture of martyrdom and devotion, rendered the country impervious to fear and manipulation.
“The secret of an invincible people is their commitment to sacrifice and martyrdom,” he said. “Wherever the spirit of selflessness, Basij devotion, and Ashura-inspired values exist, progress is achieved, and obstacles are overcome by the will of the nation.”
Radan further emphasized that solving social, economic, cultural, and ethical challenges requires 

a return to the values of martyrdom, devotion, and moral vigilance. He recalled how early intervention by the Supreme Leader during times when senior commanders were not on the battlefield had proven the nation’s resilience. “This presence showed that any challenge can be overcome with the collective will of the people,” he said.
The commander praised Iran’s armed forces, describing them as a secure anchor for the nation while noting that their true strength lies in their selflessness for the people. “The army, the valiant Revolutionary Guards, the proud Basij, and the law enforcement forces stand at the forefront, prepared as never before,” he said.
The funeral also included moments of mourning for the Prophet’s family, with attendees chanting prayers and placing prayer beads and chadors on the coffins in acts of devotion. Many bystanders were visibly moved, watching in silence as the procession passed.
In a message of appreciation, Major General Seyed Abdolrahim Mousavi, chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, praised the overwhelming turnout of the people. 
“The unparalleled and indescribable presence of the nation in welcoming, bidding farewell, and honoring 300 martyrs demonstrates their love, devotion, and deep attachment to the sacred status of the martyrs and commitment to Islam,” he said.
Mousavi extended his gratitude to citizens across Iran who attended ceremonies, calling the events “a magnificent and unforgettable epic that once again revived the memory of sacrifice, resistance, and the heroic spirit of the Iranian nation during the Sacred Defense.” 
He invoked blessings and expressed wishes for the health and prosperity of the Iranian people under the guidance of the Supreme Leader.