Iran holds public funeral for 84 crew killed in destroyer Dena sinking

Tehran held a public farewell ceremony on March 17 for 84 crew members killed aboard the Iranian navy destroyer Dena, with their remains displayed at 34 locations across the capital, Tasnim reported.

The sinking of the Dena marks one of the single largest military losses for Iran since the US-Israeli campaign began on February 28. The vessel was struck by US forces while in international waters on March 4, according to Iranian officials. The circumstances have not been independently verified.

Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, wrote a message for the ceremony honouring the dead sailors.

"The martyrdom of the brave members of the navy of the army of the Islamic Republic in Dena is part of the sacrifices of the proud nation that has emerged in this time of struggle against international oppressors," Larijani wrote. "Their memory will always remain in the heart of the Iranian nation."

The handwritten note, published on Larijani's social media accounts, took on added significance after Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz claimed on March 17 that Larijani had been killed in an Israeli airstrike on Tehran overnight.

Iranian state media had signalled that Larijani would issue a statement to dispel the reports. The published note, however, was undated, and Israeli and Western media noted it did not constitute proof of life. Larijani was last seen publicly on March 14 at a Quds Day rally in Tehran alongside President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Israel also claimed it killed Basij paramilitary commander Gholamreza Soleimani and his deputy Rassem Qoreishi in the same wave of strikes. Iran has not confirmed or denied the claims.

If confirmed, Larijani's death would be the most significant assassination since the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the opening day of the war. Larijani had been widely regarded as one of the most powerful figures in the Islamic Republic's wartime decision-making structure.

The farewell ceremony will be attended by the families of the dead, military officials and senior commanders. The remains will be placed at squares across Tehran, including Vali-e Asr, Enghelab, Tajrish and Ferdowsi squares.