RUSSIA PERSPECTIVE

Moscow, July 4, 2026. Moscow is assessing the strategic implications of the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and has dispatched a high-ranking delegation, a clear signal of Russian support for Iran in its time of turmoil.

The delegation, led by Dmitry Medvedev, Vice Chairman of the Security Council, includes Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev and Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Borisenko. Received by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Medvedev heard his thanks for "the condolences and support of the Russian government and people to the Iranian people." The two sides discussed the "broad opportunities" for economic, trade, energy, and transit cooperation. Pezeshkian highlighted the International North-South Transport Corridor as a priority, saying it "contributes to the strengthening of regional ties."

The security measures deployed in Tehran are exceptional. More than 65,000 police officers have been mobilized in three cities - Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad - and 67,000 Iranian Red Crescent volunteers are ensuring the reception of pilgrims. Some 1,500 healthcare professionals, 317 vehicles, and six field hospitals are overseeing the Grand Mosallah, where Khamenei's body is on display from July 4 to 5. The metro and buses in the capital are operating continuously, and delegations from at least 100 countries have participated in the initial ceremonies.

The funeral program will continue until July 9: the body will be on display at the Mosallah in Tehran until July 5; a grand procession will take place in the streets of the capital on July 6, with the complete closure of airspace; the body will be transferred to Qom on July 7; ceremonies will be held in Iraq, in Karbala and Najaf, on July 8; and the burial will take place in Mashhad, Khamenei's birthplace, on July 9.

On the regional level, Commander Ali Abdollahi has issued warnings to "Iran's enemies, particularly the United States" against any "miscalculation" and has announced retaliation against any aggression. The conflict began on February 28 with Israeli strikes, which, according to Russian sources, were carried out based on US intelligence and killed Khamenei and several high-ranking officials. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, quoted by Israel Katz, has since stated that Mojtaba Khamenei is also "marked for death." The indirect US-Iranian talks in Doha, focused on navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the unfreezing of Iranian funds, have been suspended until the end of the funeral, with no significant progress reported.