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
Essence Festival New Orleans 2025: Celebrate Black culture with Disney, Hulu and Nat Geo

Essence Festival New Orleans 2025: Experience Black Culture with Disney, Hulu, and Nat Geo

NEW ORLEANS — The Essence Festival of Culture lights up New Orleans…
Mets can finally use ideal starting rotation to end first half

Mets Set to Utilize Perfect Pitching Lineup to Round Out Season’s First Half

On Sunday, Carlos Mendoza tried to keep his composure, but if there…
Cheez-It will debut gluten-free crackers next year

Cheez-It Set to Launch Gluten-Free Crackers in 2024

The snack company confirmed the news Monday after rumors were swirling online…
Stream It Or Skip It?

Watch It or Pass?

While it’s unclear when “cozy mysteries” became a popular term, it’s widely…
Sean 'Diddy' Combs post-trial hearing set for Tuesday

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Scheduled for Post-Trial Hearing on Tuesday

MANHATTAN — Sean “Diddy” Combs is scheduled to join a virtual meeting…
Reverend boyfriend of ex-Houston mayoral appointee who went on Camp Mystic tirade condemns her comments

Pastor Condemns Remarks Made by Former Houston Mayoral Appointee After Her Camp Mystic Outburst

The reverend partner of a former appointee to the Houston mayor’s office,…
Gavin Newsom swings through South Carolina, where Democrats will play pivotal 2028 nominating role

Gavin Newsom Visits South Carolina as Democrats Gear Up for Key 2028 Nominating Role

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is embarking on a two-day tour in South…
Former Chicago journalists Becky Schlikerman, Kim Janssen take legal action, lost Altadena home in Southern California wildfires

Ex-Chicago Reporters Becky Schlikerman and Kim Janssen Sue Over Losing Altadena Home in Southern California Wildfires

CHICAGO (WLS) — It has been six months since the deadly Eaton…
Benjamin Netanyahu handing a document to Donald Trump at a meeting.

Trump Receives Nobel Peace Prize Nomination During Netanyahu’s Successful White House Visit

DONALD Trump has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Israel’s…
Over 60 UFO sightings reported whizzing across state in first half of 2025, national tracking group says

More Than 60 UFO Sightings Reported Across State in Early 2025, Says National Tracking Group

New York state has documented 66 Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) sightings in…
Man who opened fire at US Border Patrol facility in Texas now dead, authorities say

Texas: Gunman Who Fired Shots at US Border Patrol Facility Dies, Officials Report

A 27-year-old individual was fatally shot on Monday after engaging in gunfire…
Security camera footage of a nighttime shooting.

Disturbing Incident: Three Dead, Ten Injured in Random Shooting Caught on Ring Camera

THIS is the terrifying moment gunmen opened fire in a Philadelphia neighbourhood…