Almost three decades on, Iran has laid 175 military divers to rest. They were captured during the 1980 to 1988 war with Iraq.

Dug up from the Iraqi side of the river border, Tehran’s military claims the divers were buried alive.

Pictures in Iranian media last month showed the bodies dressed in diving gear and hands crudely tied with wire.

Emotional crowds packed the capital’s streets to commemorate the divers and other soldiers killed during the war.

Speaking from Tehran, euronews reporter Javad Montazeri said: “These bodies are from a battle between two countries who were at war many years ago. Two countries who have a good relationship today, and who are fighting together against a single enemy (referring to ISIL).”

Those locked in today’s battle against the self-proclaimed Islamic State are praised for protecting Shi’ite sites in Iraq.

“We have great respect for those who are killed defending holy shrines. We are going to be there, fighting until our last breath,” sai