The United States allegedly launched a diplomatic campaign to dissuade countries from participating in the funeral procession of Iran’s slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and 13 countries withdrew or scaled down their engagement from the event in Tehran, according to a report from Iranian media.
Marco Rubio leads coordinated pressure on foreign governments
Citing an Iranian source, Tehran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported that a week before the funeral procession, Washington allegedly launched a coordinated diplomatic campaign at the highest levels, involving Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US ambassadors worldwide, aimed at discouraging foreign participation in the event.
Mourners attend the start of the dayslong funeral ceremonies for the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and members of his family at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla Grand Mosque in Tehran, Iran. (AP Photo)
Tasnim reports explicit threats to aid and bilateral relations
Tasnim, which is associated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), reported that America’s campaign included “explicit threats” to cut down development aid and “harm” bilateral relations with Washington if countries choose to attend Khamenei’s funeral at Imam Khomeini Grand Musalla in central Tehran.
A banner depicting President Donald Trump is held aloft as mourners gather during funeral prayers held as part of the dayslong funeral ceremonies for the slain Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and members of his family outside the Imam Khomeini Mosalla Grand Mosque in Tehran, Iran. (AP Photo)
United States had reportedly instructed countries through embassies and diplomatic missions that attending Ali Khamenei’s funeral would be viewed as an “unfriendly act” and could have potential consequences for the bilateral relations with America.
Arab diplomats confirm direct warnings from Washington
Two Arab diplomats confirmed the development and said that Secretary Rubio contacted at least five Arab countries to urge them to stay clear of the funeral procession in Tehran; otherwise, it could have negative consequences for bilateral relations between the United States and the Arab nations, Tasnim news agency further reported.
African nations face potential cuts in us development assistance
America allegedly threatened several African countries that their participation in Ali Khamenei’s funeral event in Tehran could lead to cuts in US development assistance.
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The report said at least 13 countries either backed out or withdrew their representation from the funeral in Tehran, including three Eastern European nations, five African states, two Persian Gulf Arab countries, and two major East Asian nations.
Mass crowds defy pressure with anti-western chants in Tehran
Meanwhile, crowds of hundreds of thousands chanted “Death to America” and “Death to Israel,” as they called for revenge over the February 28 attack that killed the 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, AP reported.
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