Iran Warns US and Israel Against Disrupting Khamenei's Funeral

Commander of the Central Headquarters of the Iranian Armed Forces, Ali Abdollahi, has warned the United States, Israel, and their allies against launching any threats or aggression towards Iran ahead of the final honours and funeral of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In a statement broadcast by state television IRIB on Thursday, Abdollahi urged these countries to avoid miscalculation and to consider the consequences of any action against Iran. “In these momentous days, we warn the enemies of Iran, particularly the United States, Israel, and their allies in the region and beyond, against any form of miscalculation,” he said. He stressed that the Iranian armed forces are prepared to respond firmly to any threat or aggression against the country. Abdollahi also stated that Iran would respond swiftly and decisively if the United States attempted to interfere in the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. He added that the presence of American military aircraft and drones in the Strait of Hormuz airspace was exacerbating tensions and endangering regional security. The final honours and funeral for Khamenei are scheduled to take place from 4 to 9 July. Processions 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 be held in Tehran on 3 July. Khamenei was killed in a US and Israeli attack on Tehran on 28 February. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was subsequently selected as the new Supreme Leader of Iran. The commander also asserted that the demand for retribution for Khamenei’s death must be heard globally. The mayor of Tehran announced the funeral procession would take place after the first ten days of Muharram in Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad. Iran has called on the United Nations and international bodies not to remain indifferent to blatant violations of international law. Iran and the US subsequently signed a memorandum of understanding electronically on 18 June to halt the military conflict. The 28 February attack by the US and Israel caused damage and civilian casualties, with both sides exchanging strikes over two consecutive days. A spokesman for the Iranian Armed Forces rejected claims that the country’s defence capabilities had been weakened.