Fresh security concerns have emerged in the Middle East after reports of attacks on three commercial oil tankers near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz during the funeral ceremonies of Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The incidents have intensified concerns over maritime security, global energy supplies and regional stability at a time when millions of mourners have gathered across Iran for Khamenei's final farewell. Iranian authorities have also warned commercial vessels to strictly follow designated shipping routes, saying they cannot guarantee the safety of ships that deviate from approved maritime corridors.

According to Iranian state media, the Qatari oil tanker Al-Rakayat was among the vessels targeted in the latest incident. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that two additional commercial ships came under attack near the coast of Oman. Independent verification of the attacks is still awaited, while international maritime agencies continue to monitor the situation closely.

Iran Warns Commercial Shipping

Following the reported attacks, Iranian officials expressed concern that several commercial vessels have not been adhering to designated maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz.

Authorities stated that vessels operating outside approved navigation corridors may face increased security risks, adding that current conditions in the region remain unstable. Iran maintained that strict compliance with established shipping lanes is essential to ensure the safety of commercial traffic passing through one of the world's busiest energy corridors.

Millions Gather for Khamenei's Final Farewell

The maritime incidents coincided with the ongoing funeral ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

On Tuesday, Khamenei's body was taken to the holy city of Qom, where hundreds of thousands of mourners gathered to pay their respects. Roads leading to the religious city witnessed massive crowds from early morning, with security forces deployed across the funeral route.

Many mourners carried red flags, which in Shia tradition symbolize resistance against injustice and a call for justice. Khamenei's coffin was draped with the Iranian national flag, while his traditional black turban—a symbol associated with senior Shia clerics—was placed atop the casket during the religious ceremonies.

Funeral Procession Draws Massive Crowds

Government sources said millions had also participated in the funeral procession held earlier in Tehran.

The sheer size of the gathering reportedly slowed the movement of the funeral convoy at several points, forcing temporary pauses along the route. Following ceremonies in Qom, Khamenei is expected to be buried in his hometown of Mashhad after the completion of final religious rites.

Senior political leaders, religious scholars and supporters attended the ceremonies, with many participants pledging to uphold Khamenei's legacy.

Hormuz Strait Remains a Global Chokepoint

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most strategically important maritime passages, handling a substantial share of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports.

Any disruption in the waterway has the potential to affect international shipping, global energy markets and oil prices. Security experts note that prolonged instability in the region could increase insurance costs for commercial shipping and disrupt supply chains across Asia, Europe and beyond.

International maritime authorities continue to monitor vessel movements while advising commercial operators to exercise heightened caution.

Political Reactions Continue

The developments have also triggered strong political reactions inside and outside Iran.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the country would continue to follow the path laid down by Khamenei and reaffirmed Iran's commitment to national unity during the funeral ceremonies.

Iran's Army Chief Amir Hatami stated that those responsible for actions against Iran would be held accountable.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, argued that the crowds attending the funeral did not necessarily represent the views of all Iranians.

Meanwhile, prominent Iraqi Shia leader Ammar al-Hakim urged supporters to participate in large numbers in the funeral events, describing the occasion as significant for the wider Shia community.

Regional Tensions Under Global Watch

With large-scale funeral ceremonies unfolding alongside renewed maritime security incidents, geopolitical tensions across the Middle East remain elevated.

The reported tanker attacks have once again highlighted the vulnerability of one of the world's most critical energy corridors. Governments, naval forces and international shipping agencies are expected to closely monitor developments in the coming days as concerns over regional security and global energy stability continue to grow.

Bihar Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita will represent India at the funeral ceremony of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, according to reports citing official sources.

At the same time, Iran’s current Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, has expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the historic friendship between India and Iran should continue to deepen.

India’s representation

The reported decision means India will send a senior political and diplomatic delegation instead of the Prime Minister to the state funeral ceremonies. Iranian sources said the funeral observances will take place from July 4 to July 9 across multiple cities, ending with burial in Mashhad.

The move also reflects India’s effort to maintain high-level engagement with Tehran at a sensitive moment for West Asia. India and Iran continue to work on issues ranging from connectivity and trade to regional stability.

Modi’s message

Mojtaba Khamenei’s message thanked Modi for his Eid al-Adha greetings and said he was confident that ties between the two countries would be strengthened further through the efforts of both governments.

The Iranian statement also wished prosperity for India and success for its government and people. That public acknowledgment is notable because it comes amid wider regional tensions, making the India-Iran channel more visible than usual.

Strait of Hormuz talks

The report also says Iran and Oman have begun talks in Muscat on the future management of the Strait of Hormuz under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Those discussions include whether international cargo ships should pay for secure passage through the strategic waterway.

The issue matters because shipping through Hormuz remains a major global concern after recent military escalation and repeated warnings over transit rights.

Regional backdrop

The broader context includes renewed tensions in the Gulf, oil price movement, and continued debate over access to the strait. Pakistan is also reportedly considering buying cheaper Iranian oil and gas if sanctions relief continues, while vessel traffic through Hormuz has not stopped completely.

That makes India’s decision to send representatives to the funeral part of a much larger diplomatic picture, where states are trying to manage both symbolism and security at the same time.