Iran Warns US, Israel Ahead of Khamenei Funeral
DUBAI-Iran’s military warned the United States and Israel on Thursday against launching any military action during the upcoming funeral ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as Tehran heightened security preparations for state commemorations following his death in airstrikes at the outset of the war that began on Feb. 28.
Ali Abdollahi, commander of Iran’s Khatam Al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said any attack on Iran during the mourning period would trigger a strong military response. His statement, carried by Iranian state media, cautioned Washington and Israel against what he described as any strategic miscalculation.
“We warn the enemies of Iran, especially the United States and the Zionist regime, to avoid any miscalculation and to consider the severe retaliation our armed forces would carry out against any threat or aggression against our country,” Abdollahi said.
Iran is preparing for a series of official funeral ceremonies beginning on July 4 in Tehran. The commemorations are scheduled to conclude with Khamenei’s burial in his hometown of Mashhad on July 9, with additional memorial events planned in the holy city of Qom and in Iraq during the intervening days.
Pakistan confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend the state funeral, according to the country’s Foreign Ministry.
China also announced it would send a senior delegation to the ceremonies. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said He Wei, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, would represent Beijing at the funeral.
The warning from Iran’s military followed similar remarks made on Wednesday by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who said Tehran would respond immediately and forcefully to any threat directed at the country or its leadership.
Araghchi’s comments came after Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Iran’s current Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was “marked for death,” further escalating tensions between the two countries.
Iranian media reported that authorities have introduced heightened security measures ahead of the funeral processions. The head of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization also announced on Wednesday that temporary airspace restrictions would be imposed over several cities, including Tehran and Mashhad, during the ceremonies to support security operations.
The funeral preparations come amid continued diplomatic and military tensions following the conflict that began in late February. Although indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States have resumed in recent weeks, officials from both sides have continued to exchange warnings as efforts to implement a broader ceasefire and negotiate a permanent settlement remain ongoing.
