Iran Warns Against Attacks Amid Khamenei Funeral
A senior Iranian military figure cautioned the United States and Israel against launching attacks within Iran’s borders as the country began a week-long series of funeral services for its former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
“We warn the enemies of Iran, especially the U.S. and the Zionist regime, to avoid any miscalculation and to think about the harsh retaliation our armed forces would make to any threat and aggression against our country,” Ali Abdollahi, commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, stated on Thursday through state media.
Khamenei, who led Iran for nearly four decades, was killed in U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on February 28 at the start of the war. His burial is scheduled for July 9 following several days of mournful gatherings. The events are expected to attract throngs of Shiite Muslims not only from Iran but also from Iraq, Lebanon, and Pakistan.
This period of mourning coincides with Iranian officials’ negotiations with their U.S. counterparts regarding the Strait of Hormuz and efforts to reduce hostilities in the region. Recently hosted in Doha, these talks involved U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The discussions centered on the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic channel that supports the flow of 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas.
Vice President Vance emphasized on Wednesday that the talks were progressing positively. However, he cautioned that the U.S. might resume military actions if Iran persists in its efforts to jeopardize commercial shipping in this critical waterway and continues advancing its nuclear ambitions. “The President’s not going to send our military back in unless he has to,” Vance told reporters.
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