Iran Cautions Against Attacks Amid Khamenei’s Funeral

An Iranian military commander has issued a strong warning to the United States and Israel regarding any potential attacks on Iranian soil. This comes as Iran begins a week-long funeral for its former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Ali Abdollahi, commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, stated, “We warn the enemies of Iran, especially the U.S. and the Zionist regime, to avoid any miscalculation and to think about the harsh retaliation our armed forces would make to any threat and aggression against our country.”

Khamenei, who led Iran for around four decades, was killed in a U.S. and Israeli airstrike on February 28, at the war’s start. His burial is set for July 9. Ceremonies are expected to draw significant numbers of Shiite Muslims from Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Pakistan.

Amid these events, Iranian and U.S. officials are engaged in discussions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ease tensions. Recent talks in Doha featured U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These focused on the strategic waterway where 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas is transported.

Vice President Vance remarked that the discussions were “going well.” However, he warned that the U.S. is prepared to resume strikes if Iran poses threats to commercial shipping or continues its nuclear activities. “The President’s not going to send our military back in unless he has to,” Vance said.

This week’s Defense & National Security coverage features several key stories:

– Air Force Maj. Jason Watson was arrested at the Capitol after calling for the impeachments of President Trump and Vice President Vance. Demonstrations at the Capitol require a lawmaker’s accompaniment, which Rep. Al Green initially provided before departing.

– Army Gen. Christopher Donahue relinquished his command of U.S. Army Europe and Africa. Though considered a rising Army figure, he left following Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s decision. Donahue stated he cherished his team and his time in command.

– A flu outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base resulted in a trainee’s death. Keon McDaniel, during his sixth week of training, experienced a medical emergency and died despite being taken to a medical center. The Air Force is investigating the cause.

Additionally, at a D.C. event, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised the National Guard’s work amid protestors. He faced opposition alongside other Trump administration members from “Free DC” protestors.

In other notable news, Hillary Clinton criticized the current acting Director of National Intelligence, Bill Pulte. She expressed concerns over agency staff potentially withholding information from him.

Upcoming events include a discussion hosted by the Brookings Institution on “A Rebalancing NATO Gathers in Ankara,” scheduled for Monday at 10 a.m. ET.