State Funeral & Public Mourning: Iran is gearing up for a week of mass ceremonies for slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with his coffin lying in state in Tehran and a multi-city route through Iran and Iraq, as authorities expect millions and tighten security amid fears of fresh attacks. Regional Diplomacy: Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif has departed for Iran to attend the funeral, with the trip also tied to broader regional peace and ties with Türkiye. Security Warnings: Iran’s top military leadership has warned the US and Israel against any “miscalculation” during the mourning period, while Iran also signals readiness to respond to threats. Strait of Hormuz Pressure: Iran reiterates that oil tankers must use its approved routes through the Strait of Hormuz or face a “forceful response,” keeping maritime freedom of navigation at the center of talks. Culture & Heritage: Syria’s culture ministry officials opened a private folk heritage museum in Jayroud, spotlighting efforts to preserve local artifacts, costumes and traditions. Arts & Craft Loss: Iran’s Persian carpet community mourns the death of scholar Heshmati Razavi, credited with decades of work documenting and promoting the craft. Turkey Education Crackdown: Istanbul Bilgi University’s closure order has sparked renewed concern over pressure on higher education, with critics questioning the timing and the grounds cited.