Iran Signals Post-Ceasefire Economic Strategy Amid Khamenei Funeral Rites

The military stalemate between the United States and Iran remains in a fragile 60-day tactical ceasefire as funeral proceedings for the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei continue. In a significant shift from military to economic leverage, Tehran officially announced it will impose 'service fees' on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz once the current fee-free period expires. Iranian officials stated that nations supporting the Islamic Republic during the conflict would receive preferential treatment under this new maritime framework, utilizing the strategic waterway as a primary tool for upcoming negotiations. Inside Tehran, the funeral has served as a platform for the 'Resistance Axis,' with high-level representatives from Hezbollah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Houthis in attendance to show regional solidarity. While the streets are filled with state-sponsored messaging framing revenge as a 'religious obligation' and 'martyrdom,' the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has notably remained out of the public eye. Security forces continue a rigorous domestic crackdown, with reports indicating over 6,000 arrests have been made since the U.S.-Israeli war began on February 28. U.S. President Donald Trump has acknowledged the temporary lull in hostilities, stating that neither side will engage in combat during the mourning period. However, he remains firm on his 'one shot' warning regarding a final resolution to the conflict. Technical negotiations between the two nations are expected to resume in Islamabad, Pakistan, on July 11. Meanwhile, Iranian health officials are managing a massive humanitarian effort, treating thousands of mourners and preparing for potential mass-casualty incidents due to the unprecedented crowd sizes in Tehran and Mashhad.