Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei makes first public appearance since Iran-Israel war started
Share this @internewscast.com

On Saturday, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, appeared publicly for the first time since the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran commenced. He attended a mourning ceremony on the eve of Ashoura.

His absence during the war led to speculation that Khamenei, who holds ultimate authority over state affairs, may have been in hiding in a bunker—a scenario not confirmed by state media.

Footage from state television in Iran showed him greeting and acknowledging the cheering crowd, which stood up as he entered and took a seat in a mosque located near his office and residence in Tehran.

There was no immediate report on any public statement made. Iranian officials such as the parliament speaker were present. Such events are always held under heavy security.

After the US inserted itself into the war by bombing three key nuclear sites in Iran, US President Donald Trump sent warnings via social media to the 86-year-old Khamenei that the US knew where he was but had no plans to kill him, “at least for now.”

On June 26, shortly after a ceasefire began, Khamenei made his first public statement in days, saying in a prerecorded statement that Tehran had delivered a “slap to America’s face” by striking a US air base in Qatar, and warning against further attacks by the US or Israel on Iran.

Trump replied, in remarks to reporters and on social media: “Look, you’re a man of great faith. A man who’s highly respected in his country. You have to tell the truth. You got beat to hell.”

Iran has acknowledged the deaths of more than 900 people in the war, as well as thousands of injured.

It also has confirmed serious damage to its nuclear facilities, and has denied access to them for inspectors with the UN nuclear watchdog.

Iran’s president on Wednesday ordered the country to suspend its cooperation with the watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, further limiting inspectors’ ability to track a program that had been enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels. Israel launched the war fearing that Iran was trying to develop atomic weapons.

It remains unclear just how badly damaged the nuclear facilities are, whether any enriched uranium or centrifuges had been moved before the attacks, and whether Tehran still would be willing to continue negotiations with the United States over its nuclear program.

Israel also targeted defense systems, high-ranking military officials and atomic scientists.

In retaliation, Iran fired more than 550 ballistic missiles at Israel, most of them intercepted, killing 28 people and causing damage in many areas.

Ceremony commemorates a death that caused rift in Islam

The ceremony that Khamenei hosted Saturday was a remembrance of the 7th century martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Hussein.

Shiites represent over 10% of the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims, and they view Hussein as the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad. Hussein’s death in battle at the hands of Sunnis at Karbala, south of Baghdad, created a rift in Islam and continues to play a key role in shaping Shiite identity.

In predominantly Shiite Iran, red flags represented Hussein’s blood and black funeral tents and clothes represented mourning. Processions of chest-beating and self-flagellating men demonstrated fervor. Some sprayed water over the mourners in the intense heat.

Reports of problems accessing the internet

NetBlocks, a global internet monitor, reported late Saturday on X that there was a “major disruption to internet connectivity” in Iran. It said the disruption corroborated widespread user reports of problems accessing the internet. The development comes just weeks after authorities shut down telecoms during the war. NetBlocks later said internet access had been restored after some two hours.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Celebrities, corporations open wallets after deadly flood in Texas Hill Country

Stars and businesses donate generously after Texas Hill Country flood disaster

As the search and relief efforts continue for victims affected by a…
Houston-born Heart O' the Hills camp director dies in Kerr County floods

Director of Heart O’ the Hills Camp, a Native Houstonian, Passes Away in Kerr County Flooding

“We are mourning the loss of a woman who influenced countless lives…
Visitor feared to have lost arm in lion zoo attack

Visitor Suspected of Losing Arm in Lion Attack at Zoo

A woman in her 50s is believed to have lost an arm…
Are You a HENRY?

Do You Identify as a High-Earning Not Rich Yet (HENRY)?

(NerdWallet) – No, we’re not asking your name. And we promise we’re…
Mother Nature steals the show as lightning sets off Florida fireworks display

Spectacular Lightning Show Overpowers Florida Fireworks Display

Independence Day spirits were not dampened after a lightning strike prematurely set…
Heather Graham flaunts body in several bikinis during Italy vacation

Heather Graham Shows Off Stunning Bikinis on Italian Getaway

There is no one else who is soaking up the sun more…
TikTok building new version of app ahead of expected US sale: report

TikTok Developing New App Version in Anticipation of Possible US Sale: Report

According to a report from The Information, TikTok is developing a new…
Photo of Julian Ryan.

Heroic Father Dies Protecting Family During Texas Floods After Severe Arm Injury

A courageous father of two lost his life after his arm was…
Chicago-area priest Father Curtis Lambert accused of sexual abuse of a minor at Sacred Heart Parish in Melrose Park: Archdiocese

Chicago Priest Father Curtis Lambert Accused of Sexual Abuse of a Minor at Melrose Park’s Sacred Heart Parish: Archdiocese Reveals

MELROSE PARK, Ill. (WLS) — A priest with service history at several…
Ozzy Osbourne's last live performance featured reunion with Black Sabbath

Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Live Show Includes Black Sabbath Reunion

The 76-year-old heavy metal icon sang from a black throne and reunited…
Justin Verlander's brutal losing streak continues with loss

Justin Verlander Suffers Another Defeat as Losing Streak Grows

Justin Verlander didn’t try to hide from the results. The latest loss,…
Lolita, a killer whale, performing at the Miami Seaquarium.

What Led to Lolita’s Death? The World’s Loneliest Whale Dies Weeks After Millionaire Promised to Aid Orca’s Release After 50 Years

BELOVED orca Lolita, who was known for her mind-blowing tricks and decades…