Military commander cautions US and Israel while millions expected to attend ceremonies
Iran’s military issued a fresh warning to the United States and Israel on Friday as preparations intensified for the state funeral of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with officials expecting one of the largest public gatherings in the country’s history.
Ali Abdollahi, commander of Khatam al-Anbiya, the joint command of Iran’s armed forces, warned against what he described as “any miscalculation” during the week-long funeral ceremonies. He said any attack targeting Iran during the commemorations would trigger a “harsh and regrettable response.”
The funeral is scheduled to begin on Saturday after months of delay caused by the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Ceremonies will take place across Tehran, Qom, Mashhad, Najaf and Karbala, while Iranian media reported that millions of mourners are expected to participate. Tehran’s mayor estimated attendance in the capital could reach between 15 and 20 million people.
Senior officials oversee final preparations
Iranian state broadcaster IRIB aired footage showing Khamenei’s coffin displayed during a public ceremony in Tehran ahead of the official funeral. The event drew large crowds as senior political and military officials gathered for the final preparations.
Among those present was Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Commander Ahmad Vahidi, making his first public appearance since the conflict began. Reports said Vahidi also met Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, President Masoud Pezeshkian and other officials to coordinate arrangements.
International delegations expected
Ghalibaf urged Iranians to participate in large numbers, calling on citizens to demonstrate national unity during the funeral ceremonies.
Iranian officials said representatives from more than 30 countries, including senior political leaders and religious figures, are expected to attend the events. According to state media, delegations from across the region and beyond will participate throughout the multi-city funeral programme, which concludes with Khamenei’s burial in Mashhad.
