Death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei Triggers Funeral and Hormuz Strait Escalation

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the opening strike of the US‑Israeli "Operation Roaring Lion," prompting a six‑day state funeral that drew millions of mourners across Iran and Iraq. The procession ended in Mashhad after passing through Karbala, where video showed his coffin placed in a refrigerated truck bearing the orange "K" logo of Finland's K‑Group retail chain, sparking controversy over potential pork transport. Finnish company Kesko launched an investigation into the truck's branding.

Following the funeral, Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and launched missiles and drones at Gulf neighbours. The United States responded with airstrikes on approximately 140 Iranian targets, while regional states—including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and Oman—reported missile impacts or injuries. Oman summoned the Iranian ambassador after Iranian forces claimed to have hit a refuelling facility at the port of Duqm and rescued crew members from a struck commercial vessel. The escalation threatens global oil shipments through the vital waterway.