Iran Threatens Retaliation if US Disrupts Ali Khamenei's Funeral Rites

Tehran - The commander of the Central Headquarters of the Iranian Armed Forces, Ali Abdollahi, has warned the United States, Israel, and their allies against launching threats or aggression towards Iran ahead of the final honours and funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. In a statement broadcast by state television IRIB on Thursday, Abdollahi urged these countries to avoid miscalculation. He also reminded them to consider the consequences of any action against Iran. “In these lesson-filled days, we warn the enemies of Iran, particularly the United States, Israel, and their allies in the region and beyond, not to make any form of miscalculation,” he said. He stressed that the Iranian armed forces are ready to deliver a harsh response to any threat or aggression directed at his country. Abdollahi 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 condition, he continued, endangers regional security. The final honours and funeral rites for Khamenei are scheduled to take place from 4 to 9 July. The procession in Tehran will be held from 4 to 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 of Mashhad, in northeastern Iran, on 9 July. A state ceremony attended by heads of state, senior officials, and foreign delegations will take place in Tehran on 3 July. Khamenei was killed in a United States and Israeli attack in Tehran on 28 February. Subsequently, his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was selected as the new supreme leader of Iran. Since being appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba has not appeared in public. However, he has issued several statements to the Iranian people through official state media.