Funeral Procession for Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei Begins Amid Israeli Security Warnings

The funeral procession for Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and three family members began on Monday in Tehran, according to Iranian state television. The Iranian Broadcasting Corporation (IRIB) reported that massive crowds gathered in the capital to pay their respects. The coffins, draped in flags, are being transported by truck through Tehran's streets to Mehrabad International Airport. The family members were killed alongside Khamenei on February 28 in an airstrike at the start of the conflict involving Israel and the United States.

Iranian authorities expect millions to participate in the funeral events, which have included three days of official and public ceremonies at Tehran's Grand Mosque. The procession is planned to last 10 to 12 hours, passing through major roads and squares such as Enghelab Street and Azadi Square. Afterward, Khamenei's body will be taken to Qom for further ceremonies before traveling to southern Iraq on July 8. The final burial will occur on July 9 in his hometown of Mashhad in northeastern Iran.

In response, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Kachlon issued a stern warning to the Iranian regime, stating that Khamenei was eliminated by Israel for orchestrating plans to destroy Israel and the region. Kachlon declared that any Iranian leader attempting to revive such plans would face similar consequences. He also condemned chants of "Death to Trump" during the funeral as disgraceful, highlighting the true nature of the Iranian regime beyond its public facade. Kachlon emphasized that the combined efforts of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump had neutralized immediate existential threats from Iran and severely damaged its strategic capabilities. Israel remains prepared to defend itself against any future threats independently and decisively.