Iran's IRGC Navy Commander Promises Retaliation Against US and Israel

Commitment to Khamenei's Legacy

On Saturday, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy declared that Iran's military will steadfastly follow the path laid out by the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Rear Admiral Ali Ozmaei issued a warning that "divine retribution" against the United States and Israel is on the horizon. In a statement shared with Iranian state media, he emphasized the commitment of himself and his team, who are tasked with safeguarding the vital Strait of Hormuz, to uphold Khamenei's legacy.

"We firmly believe that divine retribution against the terrorist US and the illegitimate Zionist regime is imminent, and the banner of truth will continue to fly high in dignity and power," Ozmaei remarked during a statement commemorating Khamenei's funeral. He referred to the funeral ceremonies as a "renewed pledge" to defend Khamenei's principles and to continue the mission of protecting the Islamic nation against what he termed the forces of "arrogance and disbelief."

"Those responsible for this crime thought they could obstruct the path of truth, but they have instead exposed themselves to historical condemnation and the wrath of this nation," he added, alluding to Khamenei's assassination.

Ozmaei took over as commander of the IRGC Navy following the death of his predecessor, Alireza Tangsiri, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in March. Khamenei was killed in a series of coordinated US-Israeli airstrikes on Tehran on February 28, 2026, marking the beginning of a prolonged conflict.

Khamenei's funeral is set to occur in Tehran on July 6, with additional events planned in Qom on July 7. Ceremonies are also scheduled in the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala on July 8, as requested by Iraqi religious leaders, tribal chiefs, and the public, according to Iranian state media.

In Tehran, hundreds of thousands of mourners gathered at Imam Khomeini Musalla for a farewell ceremony prior to the funeral. Many attendees waved flags reading "Ya Litharat al-Hussein" and shouted slogans demanding vengeance. The ceremony followed a tribute attended by foreign delegations from numerous countries and international organizations.

Reports indicated that tens of thousands of mourners, predominantly dressed in black, assembled at the Musalla mosque complex, where the coffins of Khamenei and his relatives were displayed. One mourner, Nafiseh Sadat Sadri, 30, expressed her grief, stating, "I loved him even more than my father. It feels like I've lost my father again; it burns in my heart." Another mourner, Abdullah Abipour, 45, vowed, "I assure you that we will not allow [US President Donald Trump] to sleep peacefully from now on until we avenge our leader's blood."

Anti-US slogans were visible on barriers separating sections of the crowd, including messages like: "No negotiation with Satan" and "Curse be upon he who negotiates."