Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has warned that those responsible for the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will face retaliation “at the right time.” Secretary Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr issued the warning as Tehran prepares for a massive state funeral at the Grand Mosalla, which officials expect will draw up to 20 million mourners.
What is the status of Iran’s retaliation threats?
Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, stated that the files regarding retaliation for the death of Khamenei remain open. According to a report by Press TV on Thursday, July 2, 2026, Zolqadr emphasized that the perpetrators and those who ordered the attack will face “equivalent punishment.”
Zolqadr noted that this response will occur at a “right time” through “correct elements.” This warning follows the death of the 86-year-old Ayatollah on February 28, which occurred during an attack by the United States and Israel. The security chief described the death of the former leader as a moment that would leave an “eternal symbol” in Iran’s national security doctrine.
The upcoming funeral for Ayatollah Khamenei is expected to be the largest state funeral in the history of the Shiite state, with attendance estimates ranging between 15 million and 20 million people.
Who is leading Iran’s security response?
The current security landscape in Iran has undergone significant shifts following recent military strikes. Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, a veteran commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), currently holds the highest security position in the country. He was appointed to the role on March 24.
Zolqadr’s appointment followed the death of his predecessor, Ali Larijani. According to official reports, Larijani was also killed in a US-Israel attack. This succession of high-level security officials highlights the ongoing instability within Iran’s leadership structure following the February 28 attacks.
Comparing Iran’s Security Leadership
The rapid turnover in Iran’s top security positions illustrates the impact of the ongoing regional conflict. While Ali Larijani managed security prior to the recent strikes, Zolqadr’s leadership is defined by a mandate for retaliation and the management of the state’s response to the loss of its former leader.
_(1404)_123.jpg/330px-Eid_al_Fitr_at_the_Imam_Khomeini_Mosque_(2025)_(1404)_123.jpg "Comparing Iran's Security Leadership")
How will the Khamenei funeral be conducted?
The state funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is scheduled to begin this Saturday, July 4. The ceremony will take place at the Grand Mosalla, officially known as the Imam Khomeini Mosalla, located in central Tehran. This site is traditionally used for major religious gatherings and Friday prayers.
The ceremony has faced several delays due to the escalation of war across the Middle East. However, the funeral is now proceeding as Iran and the United States are currently in a period of ceasefire. This follows the signing of a preliminary agreement intended to end the active conflict between the two nations.
Workers in Tehran have already begun large-scale preparations at the complex. Large-scale portraits of Khamenei have been installed at the Grand Mosalla to prepare for the millions of expected mourners. The ceremony will also include the interment of members of Khamenei’s family who were killed in the same February 28 attack.
When tracking regional stability, monitor the Grand Mosalla in Tehran. The scale of gatherings there often serves as a direct indicator of domestic political mobilization and state-led religious sentiment in Iran.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the funeral for Ayatollah Khamenei scheduled?
The funeral ceremony is set to begin on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
Where will the funeral take place?
The ceremony will be held at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla (Grand Mosalla) in Tehran, Iran.
How many people are expected to attend?
Iranian officials estimate that between 15 million and 20 million mourners will attend the event.
What caused the death of Ayatollah Khamenei?
Khamenei died on February 28 during an attack by the United States and Israel.
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