The funeral rites for Iran’s slain Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, began this week at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla Grand Mosque in Tehran. Mourners gathered as Iran issued a stark warning to Western nations concerning the Strait of Hormuz. The deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, stated that the strait “is not a stage for extra-regional powers to display military force.”
Control of the Strait of Hormuz is essential for the country. Backroom negotiations aim to end the conflict, despite shaky ceasefire talks with Washington.
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The Strait of Hormuz has been a flashpoint in the recent Middle East conflict, which has lasted more than 100 days. The conflict halted transit, causing oil prices to soar. Iran shut the strait, and the US enforced a naval blockade.
Gharibabadi’s warning followed the UK-France joint statement regarding the strait. The statement noted that the NATO countries “stand ready to deploy a wider Multinational Military Mission.” They aim to support freedom of navigation in the Strait.
Gharibabadi’s post on X included the UK-France joint statement. He reiterated that the security of the strait is under the jurisdiction of the littoral states: “Those who create crises will bear responsibility for the consequences of their adventurism. This is a serious warning.”
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Tehran denounced the joint statement. The UK and France noted that Oman had earlier proposed a voluntary fees framework along with Iran. Omani leaders had earlier proposed a voluntary fees framework along with Iran. The UK-France statement contradicted Oman’s earlier stance. This irked Tehran.
The memorandum took effect on June 18. It was electronically signed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump. The pact provides a roadmap to end the conflict by addressing disputed issues through negotiations.
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This laid the groundwork for a cessation of hostilities and sanctions relief. Discussions began on the nuclear issue, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and broader regional security arrangements. Meanwhile, delegates arrived from across the region to pay tribute to Khamenei. Notable attendees included Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev, Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, and Iraqi President Nizar Amidi.
The funeral ceremonies started with the national anthem and Quran recitations. Religious eulogies followed, according to Iran’s state-backed media. Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes on Feb. 28.
