Tehran: Iran has delivered a stern warning to the United States and Israel, urging both countries to refrain from any military action as preparations continue for the state funeral of the country’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iranian state media reported that Ali Abdollahi, commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said Tehran’s rivals, particularly the US and Israel, should not misjudge Iran’s resolve. He cautioned that any hostile action against the country would trigger a strong and decisive response from Iran’s armed forces.
The warning comes as authorities finalize arrangements for the official funeral ceremony, which is expected to attract massive crowds from across the country. The event is taking place against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Middle East, adding further significance to Iran’s security preparations.
Meanwhile, Iranian officials acknowledged that the final execution of the funeral procession could be affected by practical challenges. A senior commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Qom said that although detailed planning for the procession has been completed, security concerns and the anticipated turnout make it difficult to predict whether the event will proceed exactly as scheduled.
According to IRGC commander Fathullah Jameeri, the planned procession will begin at Jamkaran Mosque before moving towards the shrine of Hazrat Fatima. He noted that while the route has already been mapped out, heavy crowds, traffic congestion and other logistical factors may require adjustments during the ceremony.
Jameeri added that security agencies remain on high alert and are coordinating extensive measures to manage the expected influx of mourners. He said authorities are prepared to adapt operational plans if conditions on the ground change.
The funeral is expected to be one of Iran’s largest state ceremonies in recent years, taking place at a time when both internal security considerations and regional geopolitical tensions remain at the forefront.
