Iranian general warns of 'harsh response' if Israel, US attack during Khamenei's funeral

Iran's military has issued a stern warning to Israel and the United States, threatening a severe response to any "miscalculation" during the upcoming week-long funeral ceremonies for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. General Ali Abdollahi, commander of Khatam al-Anbiya (Iran's Joint Command), stated on Friday that "harsh and regrettable responses" would follow any attack during the mourning period.

The funeral is slated to begin on Saturday and is anticipated to be the largest event in the history of the Islamic Republic. Ceremonies will take place across several major cities in both Iran and Iraq, including Tehran, Qom, Mashhad, Najaf, and Karbala. Iranian media reports suggest millions are expected to participate, with the mayor of Tehran estimating 15 to 20 million attendees in the capital alone.

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harsh and regrettable responses

Khamenei was reportedly killed in joint US-Israeli strikes in February during operations Roaring Lion and Epic Fury, along with family members. His son, Mojtaba, has since assumed the role of supreme leader. Amid funeral preparations, Khamenei's coffin was put on display in Tehran, drawing large crowds. The State TV broadcaster, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), shared footage of the event on social media.

Senior Iranian officials, including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander Ahmad Vahidi, were present alongside the displayed coffin. Vahidi also reportedly met with other officials, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and President Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss funeral arrangements. Ghalibaf had previously urged Iranians to "rise up" and "demand revenge" for Khamenei's death during a speech on Thursday.

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rise up and demand revenge