TEHRAN: – The Middle East is witnessing a surge in tensions as Iran prepares for the state funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli airstrikes at the start of the war. Regional powers are issuing stern warnings, while global delegations confirm attendance at the multi-day ceremonies.
Iran’s Armed Forces Issue Hormuz Warning
Iran’s unified military command declared Thursday that any US interference in the Strait of Hormuz would be met with a “swift and decisive response,” according to Fars News. Tehran has mandated that all vessels follow designated maritime routes for safe passage through the strategic waterway, which remains a vital artery for global oil shipments.
Military Threats Against US and Israel
Ali Abdollahi, commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, warned Washington and Tel Aviv against “any miscalculation.” He stressed that Iran’s armed forces were prepared for harsh retaliation against any aggression. Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia confirmed that Iran’s military is on high alert, with ground, naval, and air forces deployed across borders and air defense units maintaining continuous surveillance.
Regional Leaders Respond
- Lebanon: President Joseph Aoun defended negotiations with Israel, insisting they were not a betrayal and vowing he would not surrender “a single inch” of Lebanese territory.
- Israel: Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that Israeli forces would remain “until further notice” in what Israel describes as “security zones” in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza.
- Syria: Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, during a visit to Beirut, signaled openness to meeting Hezbollah “if interests require it,” marking his first trip since US President Donald Trump suggested Syrian forces could confront Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Diplomatic Mediation
Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said Islamabad and Doha are jointly facilitating negotiations between US and Iranian representatives. Separate meetings have yielded “positive progress” under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, with both sides agreeing to continue talks at the earliest opportunity.
Global Delegations to Attend Funeral
Iran has called for massive public turnout to “avenge Khamenei’s martyrdom.” International participation underscores the geopolitical weight of the event:
- India: Deputy Foreign Minister Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain will represent New Delhi.
- China: Senior lawmaker He Wei, vice chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, will attend on behalf of Beijing.
The funeral ceremonies will begin in Tehran on July 4 and conclude with Khamenei’s burial in Mashhad on July 9.
Calls for Vengeance
Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, urged citizens to attend the funeral en masse, framing participation as an act of resistance. “The nation’s call for vengeance must ring in the ears of the whole world,” he said, calling the funeral a historic moment for Islamic Iran.
Security Intensified
Iranian forces have expanded their presence nationwide to secure the arrival of foreign dignitaries and religious leaders. The military has reinforced border patrols, naval deployments, and aerial surveillance to safeguard the ceremonies, which are expected to draw massive crowds and international attention.
Outlook
With Iran’s leadership framing the funeral as both a religious and political rallying point, and regional powers hardening their positions, the coming days are likely to test the fragile balance of diplomacy and military brinkmanship across the Middle East.
