Iran is preparing to hold a three‑day funeral for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in airstrikes at the start of the war. An estimated 15 million people are expected to attend in Tehran beginning Saturday, and Iran warned the United States and Israel against any attack during the ceremonies.

Khamenei has led Iran since 1989 and has shaped its regional posture. The funeral follows a conflict that began with airstrikes on July 2, 2026. Negotiations between the United States and Iran are slated to resume after the ceremonies conclude.

Syria’s foreign minister met with Lebanese officials in Beirut on July 2, 2026, to assure Lebanon that Syria would not intervene in its internal affairs, according to Syrian officials. The New York Times reported that U.S. officials said Israel may have planned to target senior Iranian negotiators, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, during spring talks with Washington. Israeli officials called for a state commission of inquiry into the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, as the country marked the 1,000‑day anniversary of the event with commemorations and protests. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that negotiations with Israel were not a betrayal and that he would not surrender any part of Lebanon’s territory, according to the presidency.

The funeral is expected to conclude on Monday, after which the United States and Iran plan to restart diplomatic talks. The outcome of the ceremonies and the broader regional situation remain uncertain.