**Iran Issues Warning to US and Israel Ahead of Khamenei's Funeral**
As Iran prepares for the state funeral of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a senior military official has issued a stark warning to the United States and Israel regarding potential military actions against the nation. The warning comes in the wake of Khamenei's death, reportedly due to airstrikes that marked the onset of a new conflict in the region.
Ali Abdollahi, the commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, cautioned on Thursday that any attack on Iran would provoke severe retaliation. "We warn the enemies of Iran, especially the U.S. 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," Abdollahi stated, as reported by state media.
The funeral processions for Khamenei are set to commence on July 4 in Tehran and will conclude with his burial in Mashhad on July 9. In addition to the main ceremonies in Tehran and Mashhad, there will be additional commemorative events in Qom and Iraq during this period.
In a related statement, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi echoed Abdollahi's sentiments, emphasizing that Tehran would respond decisively to any threats against its leadership or citizens. This warning was particularly directed at remarks made by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, who suggested that Iran's current Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was "marked for death."
In light of the heightened tensions and the ongoing conflict, Iranian authorities have implemented increased security measures for the duration of the funeral. The head of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organisation announced that temporary airspace restrictions would be enforced over key cities, including Tehran and Mashhad, to ensure safety during the ceremonies.
As the situation develops, the international community will be closely monitoring the events surrounding Khamenei's funeral and the potential implications for regional stability.