Iran Threatens Retaliation if US Disrupts Ali Khamenei's Funeral Rites
Tehran (ANTARA) - The Commander of the Iranian Armed Forces Headquarters, Ali Abdollahi, has warned the United States, Israel, and their allies not to launch threats or aggression against Iran ahead of the series of final tributes and the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
In a statement broadcast on the state television IRIB on Thursday, Abdollahi urged these nations to avoid miscalculations. He also reminded them to consider the consequences of any action taken against Iran.
“On these days full of lessons, we warn Iran’s enemies, particularly the United States, Israel, as well as their allies within and outside the region, not to make any form of miscalculation,” he said.
He emphasised that the Iranian armed forces are prepared to provide a harsh response to any threat or aggression directed at their country.
Abdollable also stated that Iran would respond swiftly and firmly if the United States attempts to interfere with the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. According to him, the presence of US military aircraft and drones in the airspace of the Strait of Hormuz only exacerbates tensions. This situation, he continued, endangers regional security.
The series of final tributes and the funeral of Khamenei are scheduled to take place from 4–9 July. The procession in Tehran will be held from 4–6 July, followed by ceremonies in Qom on 7 July, and in Najaf and Karbala, Iraq, on 8 July.
Khamenei is scheduled to be buried in his hometown, Mashhad, in north-eastern Iran, on 9 July. Meanwhile, state ceremonies attended by heads of state, high-ranking officials, and foreign delegations will take place in Tehran on 3 July.
Khamenei was killed in a US and Israeli attack in Tehran on 28 February. Following this, his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was selected as Iran’s new Supreme Leader.
Since being appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba has not yet appeared in public. However, he has made several statements to the Iranian people through official government media.