A high-ranking Iranian military leader has issued a warning to the United States and Israel regarding potential attacks within Iran. This warning coincides with preparations for week-long funeral ceremonies for the former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
“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,” stated Ali Abdollahi, commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters. His statement was delivered on Thursday and broadcasted by state media.
Khamenei, who led Iran for nearly four decades, died in U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on February 28 at the start of the conflict. The burial is planned for July 9, after several days of mourning ceremonies. The funeral is anticipated to attract many Shiite Muslims from Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Pakistan.
As these events unfold, Iranian officials continue negotiations with U.S. counterparts, addressing the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and reducing regional tensions. Recent discussions took place in Doha, with the U.S. delegation led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Conversations covered the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital channel for about 20 percent of global oil and gas transport.
Vice President Vance mentioned on Wednesday that talks were progressing well, but insisted the U.S. would respond should Iran persist in targeting commercial vessels or advancing its nuclear ambitions.
“The President’s not going to send our military back in unless he has to,” Vance informed reporters.
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Essential Reads
How policy impacts defense and national security today and in the future:
- A U.S. Air Force major faced arrest at the Capitol on Wednesday after advocating for the impeachments of President Trump and Vice President Vance. Public demonstrations require the presence of a Congress member to speak openly from Capitol steps. Initially, Air Force Maj. Jason Watson was with Rep. Al Green (D-Texas), who later departed.
- Army Gen. Christopher Donahue relinquished command of U.S. Army Europe and Africa in Germany, after being unexpectedly replaced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last month. Donahue, recognized as a notable military leader, served for decades in special operations but left his latest position after 18 months.
- The Air Force confirmed the death of a trainee following a flu outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) reported that Keon McDaniel encountered a medical emergency during basic training and passed away at Brooke Army Medical Center.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised the National Guard amid protests in Washington, D.C., though he and others from the Trump administration faced heckling during a public event by ‘Free DC’ demonstrators.
In Other News
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- Hillary Clinton criticized acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte, expressing concern about the withholding of information from him by career and political appointees.
On Tap Tomorrow
A look at upcoming events in defense:
- The Brookings Institution will host a discussion on “A rebalancing NATO gathers in Ankara” on Monday at 10 a.m. ET.
Trending Today
Two major stories on The Hill:
- A federal appeals court overturned a lower court decision concerning the National Park Service, which had required the restoration of removed signs and exhibits.
- Spectators at the Great American State Fair witnessed several fighter jets executing maneuvers in the sky.
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