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In a profound display of national mourning, Iran has commenced several days of public tributes for its former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a series of US-Israeli strikes in February. Officials predict that the funeral in Tehran could attract an extraordinary turnout of up to 20 million mourners, viewing the event as a vital referendum on the Islamic Republic’s standing. With the funeral rites symbolising not just loss but also political resolve, Tehran has issued stern warnings to both the United States and Israel regarding any potential military actions during this sensitive period.
Mass Mourning Begins
The body of Ayatollah Khamenei was transported to Tehran, where thousands have gathered to pay their respects. The Iranian leadership has laid out an elaborate series of ceremonies, beginning this weekend and extending to major cities like Qom and Mashhad, as well as commemorations in Iraq. Ayatollah Mohammad Saidi, who leads Friday prayers in Qom, has characterised the expected turnout as a significant endorsement of the regime, suggesting that it will serve as a referendum on the Islamic Republic’s future.
The atmosphere is charged, with Iranian officials stressing that any military provocations during the funeral will elicit “harsh retaliation.” Ali Abdollahi, a commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, has cautioned adversaries against miscalculating their actions, framing the mourning period as a time of heightened vigilance.
Calls for Unity and Retaliation
The rhetoric emanating from Iranian officials further underscores the potential for violence. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has linked the need for vengeance to the liberation of Muslims from what he termed the “oppression” of the US and Israel. He stated, “Without a doubt, avenging the martyred leader of the revolution means freeing all Muslims from the oppression of the United States and the Zionist regime.” This declaration reflects a broader narrative within Iranian political discourse, where the legacy of Khamenei is invoked to galvanise public sentiment against perceived external threats.
Military Tensions Escalate
As the nation prepares for Khamenei’s funeral, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has ramped up military operations in strategic waters. Reports indicate that special forces have been deployed along the Persian Gulf to monitor maritime traffic, particularly vessels using the Oman-side route through the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC’s aim is to preemptively identify ships entering the area, with officials warning of severe consequences for any deviations from approved navigation routes.
The Iranian military’s assertive posture comes amidst ongoing tensions with the US, which has maintained a significant military presence in the region. Iran’s military command has issued stark warnings to oil tankers, threatening
