Infants Ceremony: Watch Iranian mothers celebration loss against Israel by offering their babies for war

Amid escalating regional tensions and ongoing conflict, Tehran became the focal point of two major events over the weekend — a high-profile funeral for top military leaders killed in the recent clashes with Israel, and the annual Hosseini Infants Ceremony, which drew thousands in a powerful display of religious and political symbolism.

On Friday, hundreds of mothers gathered in Tehran to participate in the Hosseini Infants Ceremony, a yearly ritual held on the first Friday of the Islamic month. During the event, mothers lifted their infants skyward in a symbolic tribute to Imam Hossein. According to CNN, which was present at the ceremony, the crowd voiced both religious devotion and political messages, including anti-U.S. and anti-Israel slogans. Videos showcasing Iran’s missile capabilities were also shown. One mother told CNN that her baby wore a headband symbolizing allegiance to Imam Hossein, whom she described as “a leader of the oppressed who resists tyrants and never surrenders.”

Massive Funeral for Fallen Commanders

On Saturday, thousands filled Azadi Street in central Tehran for the funeral procession of several high-ranking Iranian military officials, including Revolutionary Guard Commander Gen. Hossein Salami and Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of Iran’s ballistic missile program. Both were reportedly killed in Israeli strikes on June 13, marking the beginning of the latest escalation.

Iran’s state media claimed that over one million people took part in the funeral procession, though the number could not be independently confirmed. The coffins were transported on trucks through central Tehran as mourners chanted and paid their respects. Prominent figures including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Quds Force Commander Gen. Esmail Qaani, and other senior officials were in attendance.

[With TOI inputs]