Iran Holds Multi-Day Funeral for Late Supreme Leader Amid Security Concerns

Iran began a multi-day public mourning period for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with thousands of citizens and foreign dignitaries attending ceremonies in Tehran. Security forces increased patrols, closed Tehran's airspace and warned of potential threats from the air and ground, according to Iranian officials.

Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi posted a warning to the United Kingdom and France, stating that Iran would oppose any military movement in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane. He cited a recent declaration by the two countries supporting freedom of navigation as the basis for the warning.

During the funeral, mourners expressed grief and pledged loyalty to the regime. One participant told Reuters, "We will certainly avenge his blood," while another said the loss felt greater than the death of a parent. The crowd chanted slogans of unity and revenge, and women carried white flowers as the leader's body was displayed beneath a glass case at the Grand Mosalla.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) cautioned against attacks targeting the funeral, noting the presence of senior officials and the risk to large crowds. Former Israeli military intelligence officer Danny Citrinowitz told CNN that Iran was taking extensive precautions due to perceived threats.

Earlier reports indicated that U.S. officials had warned Iran about possible Israeli attempts to assassinate Iranian negotiators, though no specific plot was confirmed. The Israeli prime minister's office dismissed those reports as inaccurate.

The funeral proceedings continue amid heightened regional tensions and internal security concerns.