Iran, US to resume talks in Pakistan as Khamenei's funeral continues

A sea of mourners turn out in Tehran for the funeral of slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with ceremonies spanning several cities before concluding in the final burial scheduled for July 9th.

Media reports say negotiations between Iran and the United States are set to resume in Pakistan next Saturday. The level of representation of the Iranian delegation will be decided following Khamenei's funeral.

A 97-year-old Shiite cleric led Sunday's prayer at Tehran's Grand Mosalla for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his late family members before hundreds of thousands of black-clad mourners. Khamenei, who had ruled Iran since 1989, was assassinated at his home on February 28 during a US-Israeli air raid.

After a day lying in state indoors, the coffin of the slain leader was put on display under glass outdoors, along with those of his daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter.

One of the mourners said: "We are waiting for revenge for our leader's blood. People are here to pledge allegiance."

People were seen chanting slogans, "Death to America!" and waving flags as a show of solidarity and anger.

Iranian poet Mahammad Rasouli has called for the death of US President Donald Trump, drawing cheers from vast crowds.

Rasouli notes "the world is no longer a good place for" Trump.

Khamenei's three sons Masoud, Meysam and Mostafa emerged to attend the elaborate commemorations.

Also on hand were a slew of Iranian senior officials.

They include President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Revolutionary Guard head Gen. Ahmad Vahidi, and head of the Guard's expeditionary Quds Force Esmail Qaani.

But Khamenei's successor Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, another of his son, was notably absent.

The 56-year-old new Supreme Leader stayed out of public view after reportedly being wounded in the same attack that killed his father.

American news outlet Axios quoted Trump as saying Washington could take Iran's leaders all out with "one shot" as they were all attending the state funeral.

Trump also said he was surprised to see Iranians weeping, remarking "Maybe it's fake tears."

This as Iran's Ministry of Intelligence announced Saturday they had dismantled four terrorist cells linked to US and Israel and seized large quantities of weapons, ammunitions and explosives.

In addition, Kazem Gharibabadi, the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, rejects a UK-France joint statement that describes the Strait of Hormuz as a "vital artery" for the global economy.

Gharibabadi declares on X the security of the sensitive waterway lies solely with Iran and Oman, warning it is not a theatre for transregional powers' military display.

Pakistan, a key mediator in the US-Iran talks, is said to be hosting the next round of negotiations on July 11th.

Citing unnamed sources, Al Arabiya news channel reports the focus will be on US sanctions as well as Iran's blocked funds and nuclear file.