Iran has issued a strong warning to the United States and Israel ahead of the state funeral of its late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia headquarters, Ali Abdullah, said any attack during the funeral would trigger ‘severe retaliation’. He stated that Iran’s armed forces are fully prepared to respond to any aggression, urging enemies, particularly the US and Israel, to avoid missteps.

Khamenei was killed on February 28 when the US Department of Defense launched ‘Operation Epic Fury’ against Iran. After more than four months of preservation, his funeral began in Tehran on Sunday morning, with leaders from several countries, including India, invited to attend. The burial is scheduled for July 9 in his hometown of Mashhad, with ceremonies in five cities expected to draw over 15 million people. Tehran has not ruled out possible attacks during the massive gatherings.

Diplomatic observers believe Iran is using the funeral to reinforce its anti-US stance internationally, coinciding with America’s 250th Independence Day celebrations led by President Donald Trump.