Iran has issued a fresh warning to oil tankers and commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, directing them to use navigation routes approved by Iranian authorities and cautioning that any violations could trigger a forceful military response.

The warning was issued by Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya military command and broadcast by Iranian state media. It comes at a time of heightened regional tensions and as Iran prepares for the state funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the early phase of the conflict in February.

Iran warns against route violations

According to the official statement, vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz are expected to comply with navigation protocols laid down by the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The military command warned that any deviation from designated routes or failure to follow the prescribed navigation rules would invite an immediate response from Iranian armed forces, potentially putting the safety of the violating vessels at risk.

Iran also cautioned that any interference by the United States in the strategically important waterway would be met with what it described as a “rapid and decisive reaction.”

Strait of Hormuz remains strategically vital

The Strait of Hormuz, located at the entrance to the Persian Gulf, remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. Nearly one-fifth of global oil shipments and a significant portion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports pass through the narrow waterway.

Any disruption to shipping in the strait can quickly affect global crude oil prices and raise concerns over international energy security.

Disagreement over navigation continues

Discussions involving regional stakeholders on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz have continued, but differences remain over who should regulate vessel movement through the passage.

Tehran maintains that ships should adhere to routes approved by Iranian authorities, while the United States and its allies continue to support unrestricted freedom of navigation through international waters.

Energy analysts have warned that any escalation affecting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz could have significant consequences for global oil markets, particularly for countries that rely heavily on crude oil imports, including several major Asian economies.

Iran has announced a six-day funeral programme for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with authorities expecting massive public participation while heightened security keeps his son Mojtaba away.

Iran is preparing for an elaborate six-day funeral ceremony for its former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed earlier this year, with authorities expecting millions of people to participate in the nationwide mourning events.

However, Ali Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, will reportedly remain absent from the public ceremonies because of security concerns, according to his representative in India.

Mojtaba Khamenei to avoid public appearance

According to Ayatollah Hakim Elahi, Israeli security threats and surveillance concerns have made Mojtaba Khamenei’s attendance at the funeral too risky. His public appearance during the ceremonies has therefore been ruled out as a precaution.

Ali Khamenei, who led Iran for 36 years, was killed on February 28 after the United States and Israel launched military strikes on Iran, triggering a wider conflict in the Middle East.

Funeral ceremonies to continue for six days

The official mourning programme will begin in Tehran on July 4 before moving to other important religious locations across the country.

After events in the Iranian capital, ceremonies will also be held in the holy city of Qom on July 7. The final rites will conclude on July 9 with Ali Khamenei’s burial in Mashhad, his hometown and one of Iran’s most significant religious centres.

Iranian authorities expect millions of mourners to participate in the funeral processions, making the event one of the most closely watched international developments. Posters, banners and giant billboards honouring the late leader have already been installed across several cities.

Although Islamic tradition generally calls for burial within 24 hours of death, the funeral timeline was delayed because Iran was in a state of war following the outbreak of the regional conflict.

Indian delegation likely to attend

According to sources, India is expected to send an official delegation to the funeral ceremonies.

The delegation is likely to include Bihar Governor General Syed Hasnain, Minister of State for External Affairs Pavitra Margarita and senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid, who is expected to represent the opposition party during the burial ceremonies.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had also extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the state funeral. However, the Prime Minister is not expected to be part of the visiting delegation.

Iran-US tensions remain despite peace agreement

Although Iran and the United States signed a peace agreement last month, military tensions have continued in parts of the Middle East.

Recent exchanges included Iranian action against a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz and US strikes targeting Iranian military positions. Iran also launched attacks on US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, prompting criticism from both countries.

However, the intensity of hostilities has eased in recent days.

Meanwhile, separate talks involving US and Iranian negotiators concluded in Doha with mediation efforts by Qatar and Pakistan. According to Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson, discussions made “positive progress” on issues linked to a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

India has strongly condemned the demolition of the 125-year-old Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Pakistan’s Punjab province, describing it as a “highly deplorable” act of vandalism against a historic Sikh place of worship. The incident has also sparked protests from members of the Sikh community in Pakistan, prompting the Punjab provincial government to announce the shrine’s restoration.

The gurdwara, located in Farooqabad, was reportedly demolished on the night of June 24 by a local businessman without obtaining the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the relevant authorities.

India urges Pakistan to investigate incident

Responding to the development, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed deep concern over the destruction of the historic shrine and urged the Pakistan government to conduct a prompt investigation.

India called for those responsible for the demolition to be brought to justice and demanded that the damaged portions of the Gurdwara be restored and reconstructed without delay.

The government also expressed concern over reports that no meaningful action had initially been taken by local authorities or the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB). According to New Delhi, the incident reflects a continuing pattern of attacks on religious minorities and their places of worship in Pakistan.

India further urged Islamabad to fulfil its responsibility of ensuring the safety, security and well-being of minority communities while taking effective measures to curb religious intolerance and sectarian violence.

Sikh community protest prompts official response

According to a Punjab government official in Pakistan, the demolition came to the attention of authorities only after members of the local Sikh community staged protests.

Following the demonstrations, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took notice of the matter.

Punjab Minorities Minister Ramesh Singh Arora later visited the demolished Gurdwara along with senior district officials and representatives of the Auqaf Department to assess the situation and hear concerns raised by local Sikhs.

During the visit, Arora announced that restoration work would begin immediately. He also directed the Auqaf Department to investigate the ownership and legal status of the land, noting that preliminary findings suggested the property was not registered as Auqaf land.

The minister said the provincial government remained committed to protecting minority rights and preserving religious heritage across Punjab.

Local traders raise concerns over restoration

While welcoming government intervention, several traders operating around the site expressed reservations regarding the restoration plan.

They claimed the premises had remained abandoned for nearly eight decades, during which families had settled there and commercial establishments had developed in the area.

The traders urged the authorities to provide alternative housing and livelihood support if any residents or shopkeepers were required to vacate the site during the restoration process.