Iran Warns the U.S. and Israel Amid Funeral Ceremonies for the Supreme Leader
According to reports and information broadcast by Iranian state television, Iranian officials stated that Commander Ali Abdollahi (of Khatam al-Anbiya, the Joint Headquarters of the Iranian Armed Forces) and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi publicly warned the United States and Israel against any "miscalculation," threatening "severe retaliation" if attacks occur during the funeral. They urged both countries to refrain from carrying out any strike on the capital, Tehran, throughout the funeral ceremonies for the country's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to these reports, Khamenei was allegedly killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli attack in February, at the beginning of an ongoing conflict.
Five-Day Funeral Ceremonies
The funeral ceremonies are scheduled to take place from July 4 to July 9, with events planned in several Iranian cities. The ceremonies are expected to attract thousands of participants, including senior government officials.
According to the reports, this would be the first major state funeral held after months of postponement due to security concerns amid rising military tensions in the region.
Heightened Security and Threat of Retaliation
Iranian military authorities have reportedly warned that any attack or provocation during the funeral period will be met with severe retaliation.
In addition to the risk of direct attacks, the Iranian government is also reportedly concerned about sabotage, organized protests, and attempts to destabilize the country during the ceremonies, which are expected to take place simultaneously in multiple cities.
Impact on International Negotiations
The mourning period is also expected to affect ongoing diplomatic negotiations between Iran and the United States. According to the reports, recent indirect talks, including meetings held in Qatar, are expected to be temporarily suspended.
These negotiations are part of a preliminary agreement with a 60-day deadline to make progress toward a final settlement.
International Attention
The situation continues to keep the Middle East on high alert, with expectations of possible military and diplomatic developments in the coming days.
The absence of the Supreme Leader's son is expected to be interpreted less as a genuine withdrawal and more as a strategy to manage political legitimacy.