Iran warns US, Israel ahead of Khamenei burial, millions expected to turn out
TEHRAN, IRAN: Iran issued a blunt warning to the United States and Israel on Thursday, July 2, just days before the state funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, cautioning that any military action during the mourning period would trigger a powerful response.
The warning comes as Tehran prepares for one of the largest public ceremonies in the Islamic Republic's history, with authorities expecting millions of mourners to participate in events leading up to Khamenei's burial.
The IRGC's Supreme Headquarters warned the US, Israel, and their allies against any "miscalculation" during Khamenei's funeral, saying any aggression would be met with a "severe response."
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) July 2, 2026
It urged Iranians to attend the funeral in a show of unity and pledged loyalty to the new…
Iran's warning ahead of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's burial
The latest threat was delivered by Ali Abdollahi, commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, who warned Washington and Jerusalem against what he described as any "miscalculation" while the country prepares to honor its longtime leader.
According to Iranian state media, Abdollahi said, "We warn the enemies of Iran, especially the US and the Zionist regime (Israel), to avoid any miscalculation and to think about the harsh retaliation our armed forces would make to any threat and aggression against our country."
His remarks come as Iran remains on heightened alert following months of regional tensions and the conflict that claimed Khamenei's life earlier this year.
Mojtaba Khamenei to skip father's funeral
Multiple media reports claim that Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is also expected to remain absent from his father’s burial ceremonies beginning July 4, as security officials warn of credible Israeli assassination risks.
A representative said conditions do not permit public appearances, citing Israel’s advanced surveillance capabilities.
BREAKING: Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei will not attend his father's funeral starting July 4 due to Israeli assassination threats, with his official representative stating "the security doesn't allow him to come" as Israel "has very, very advanced technology and they can…
— The Hormuz Letter (@HormuzLetter) July 2, 2026
The development follows remarks from Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, who signaled that Mojtaba could be targeted in potential military operations.
Millions expected to attend funeral
Iranian authorities are significantly expanding security measures ahead of the funeral ceremonies.
State media reported that additional security deployments are being implemented across key cities, while aviation officials have announced temporary restrictions on airspace over several locations, including Tehran and Mashhad.
The measures are intended to secure the massive funeral events expected over the coming days as millions of mourners travel from across Iran and neighboring countries.
Officials have not disclosed the full scope or duration of the security operation but indicated restrictions would remain in place throughout the mourning period.
The funeral ceremonies are expected to become one of the largest public gatherings in Iran in decades.
Authorities anticipate that millions of Shiite mourners from Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, and other countries will participate in the week-long commemorations before Khamenei is laid to rest.
The burial has been scheduled for July 9, nearly five months after the longtime Iranian leader was killed.
Khamenei led the Islamic Republic for 37 years, making him one of the country's longest-serving and most influential political and religious figures.
His death dramatically reshaped Iran's leadership structure and remains one of the defining events of this year's conflict in the Middle East.
