TEHRAN -- Iran will hold funeral processions for 350 unknown soldiers from the 1980-88 Iraqi war on the Islamic Republic, with 110 of them to be mourned in Tehran, coinciding with the anniversary of the martyrdom of Hazrat Fatima Zahra, a senior IRGC commander said on Monday.

Speaking at a press conference at the National Museum of the Islamic Revolution and Holy Defense, Brigadier General Hassan Hassanzadeh, commander of the Muhammad Rasulullah Corps in Tehran, said the occasion has been designated as “Unknown Soldier Day” for several years. 

“This year we welcome these red tulips after the Iranian nation has passed through two wars and achieved the greatest victories, and while our people have demonstrated their steadfastness against the front of arrogance and stood against the enemy inspired by the culture of holy defense,” he said.

Hassanzadeh said 240 of the 350 bodies belong to other provinces and have been gradually transferred since November 3, with commemorations being held in those regions. 

The 110 bodies destined for Tehran will be mourned on the eve of Hazrat Zahra’s martyrdom at 110 locations across the capital’s squares and public gatherings, alongside 256 nights of public gatherings in provincial squares across the country.

The funeral procession will begin at 8 a.m. on the day of Hazrat Fatima Zahra’s martyrdom from the main gate of the University of Tehran, with the convoy accompanying the bodies to Me’raj al-Shuhada on Behesht Street. 

Hassanzadeh said the ceremony will conclude by noon and that participants would seek to join Friday prayers. Some bodies will be buried in the interval between the martyrdom of Hazrat Zahra and Hazrat Umm al-Banin, with regional and provincial funeral rites to follow the main ceremony.

Hassanzadeh emphasized that “the only way to stand against the enemy is to promote the culture of sacrifice and martyrdom,” adding that the people’s 

enthusiastic participation in funeral ceremonies affirms their commitment to continuing the path of Iran’s martyrs.
“We have witnessed the steadfastness of the great Iranian nation today and hope this path continues and that we witness the final defeat of America and the Zionist regime,” he said. 
“Our nation is a tested and martyrdom-seeking nation present firmly on all difficult scenes. The Iranian nation, just as it defeated the enemy in the 12-day and 40-day wars, will defeat the enemies in the future as well.”
He said Iran’s armed forces are fully ready and have achieved valuable innovations, and that the Iranian people, despite livelihood difficulties, stand firmly by their ideals and are not prepared to deviate from their national interests.