The coffin of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was taken to the site in Tehran where he was killed in a US-Israel airstrike earlier this year, as Iran intensified preparations for his six-day state funeral. The visit to the assassination site was reportedly conducted without prior public announcement, according to Iranian state media.

Congress leader Salman Khurshid and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti were among the Indian political leaders who travelled to Tehran to pay their respects during the mourning ceremonies. Visuals released by the Iranian Embassy showed the two leaders offering tributes alongside senior Iranian officials and foreign delegations.

Iran has scheduled public farewell ceremonies from July 4 to July 9 across several cities, with Tehran hosting the opening events. The first day will allow members of the public to pay their final respects, while funeral prayers and a procession through the capital are planned before the coffin is taken to Mashhad for burial.

Iranian authorities estimate that between 12 million and 20 million people could participate in the funeral ceremonies, potentially making it one of the largest state funerals in the country's history. Representatives from more than 100 countries are expected to attend, with India, China, Russia, Türkiye, Bangladesh and several other nations sending official delegations.

Security has been tightened across Tehran ahead of the ceremonies. Police checkpoints, military deployments and traffic restrictions have been imposed in the capital, while public and private offices are scheduled to remain closed during key stages of the funeral. Iranian authorities have also announced partial airspace restrictions as part of the security arrangements.

Amid the mourning period, Qatar indicated that the next round of US-Iran talks could resume after the funeral concludes, signalling a possible revival of diplomatic engagement following months of heightened regional tensions.

Iran has also lodged a complaint with the United Nations, accusing Israel of threatening Supreme Leader-designate Mojtaba Khamenei. Separately, Tehran announced that inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) would not be granted access to the Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear facilities, a move likely to increase international scrutiny over its nuclear programme.

The Strait of Hormuz also remained in focus, with Iran warning the United States against interference in the strategic waterway while directing commercial vessels to follow designated maritime routes. At the same time, shipping traffic through the strait has shown signs of recovery following the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, although volumes remain below pre-conflict levels.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who led Iran for more than three decades, was killed in a US-Israel airstrike on February 28, according to Iranian authorities. His death marked a major turning point in the country's political leadership and has triggered one of the largest state mourning events in Iran's recent history.

Officials said the funeral ceremonies are intended to demonstrate national unity and resilience, while further diplomatic developments are expected after the conclusion of the mourning period.

Trump's '51st State' Remark on Venezuela Ignites Diplomatic Row

US President Donald Trump has triggered a fresh diplomatic storm by suggesting Venezuela could become the 51st state of the United States, posting a graphic on Truth Social depicting the South American nation as such while en route to a summit in China.

The provocative remark, coming days after similar comments to Fox News, has drawn a firm rejection from Venezuela’s acting president, who insisted the country’s sovereignty remains non-negotiable. The episode highlights shifting US-Venezuela ties following political changes in Caracas.

 Trump floats statehood idea

President Trump shared the eye-catching image on his social media platform late on Monday, just as he was travelling for high-level talks with Chinese leaders. The post builds on his earlier interview with Fox News, where he said he was “seriously considering” integrating Venezuela into the US, pointing to its vast oil reserves estimated in the trillions of dollars.

Trump has repeatedly highlighted Venezuela’s strategic importance, citing both its energy resources and recent political realignments after the removal of former President Nicolás Maduro. Officials in Washington view improved access to Venezuelan oil as a potential boost for global energy markets.

Caracas rejects proposal outright

Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez pushed back strongly against any notion of annexation. Speaking in The Hague at the International Court of Justice amid an ongoing territorial dispute with Guyana, she declared that Venezuela “has no plans” to become a US state.

“We are a free nation, not a colony,” Rodríguez said, reaffirming the country’s commitment to defending its “integrity, sovereignty, independence and history.” She stressed that while relations with Washington have seen some improvement, national independence remains untouchable.

Improved ties amid tensions

Rodríguez’s government has taken steps to mend fences with the United States since assuming office, including opening up the oil and mining sectors to greater foreign investment. Oil production has reportedly climbed, reaching levels not seen in years, with companies like ExxonMobil showing renewed interest.

Yet her remarks in The Hague underscore persistent sensitivities. Venezuelan officials appear keen on economic cooperation but wary of any perceived threat to sovereignty, a stance rooted in the country’s long history of resisting external influence.

Uranium removal marks security win

In a separate but related development, the US Department of Energy announced the successful removal of 13.5 kg of enriched uranium from Venezuela’s RV-1 research reactor. The joint operation involved US, UK, and Venezuelan authorities, with the material transported securely to North America.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) described the effort as a “complex and sensitive operation” and a significant step for regional and global nuclear security. Officials called it a “global security success,” reducing risks associated with surplus highly enriched uranium.

The reactor, which once supported physics research, had seen its operations wind down decades ago, leaving the material as surplus.

Broader implications for region

The controversy arrives at a delicate moment for Latin America. Trump’s comments have divided opinions, with some US lawmakers hailing potential energy gains while critics warn of imperial overreach. In Venezuela, public reactions appear mixed, with many citizens focused more on economic recovery than abstract sovereignty debates.

Analysts note that while turning Venezuela into a US state faces massive legal and practical hurdles — requiring congressional approval and clear consent — the rhetoric itself has already strained diplomatic channels.

What lies ahead

As Trump continues his engagements in China, eyes remain on how Washington and Caracas manage the fallout. Venezuelan authorities are expected to continue balancing economic engagement with firm assertions of independence. The uranium removal, meanwhile, stands as a tangible example of ongoing security cooperation between the two sides.

For now, the “51st state” remark has put the spotlight firmly on US-Venezuela relations, testing the limits of their evolving partnership.