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
Crime scene at a Victorville convenience store.

Teddy bear with ‘realistic human skin, eyes, and lips’ discovered on sidewalk causes alarm

A DISTURBING teddy bear seemingly made out of human skin sparked a…
Blue city officers flocking to cop-friendly red states, police leader says: ‘Why would anyone stay?’

Police Officers Moving to Red States in Droves: ‘What’s the Point of Staying?’ Says Union Leader

In cities predominantly overseen by Democratic leaders, law enforcement officers are relocating…
Ellen DeGeneres backs Rosie O'Donnell after President Trump's citizenship threat

Ellen DeGeneres supports Rosie O’Donnell amid President Trump’s citizenship dispute

Ellen DeGeneres is in Rosie O’Donnell’s corner. In spite of their long-standing…
'9-1-1' star Aisha Hinds says she got "calls and texts" from family and friends about the agonizing death of Bobby last season. 

‘9-1-1’ Star Aisha Hinds Shares She Received “Calls and Texts” from Family and Friends Regarding Bobby’s Heart-wrenching Death Last Season.

“9-1-1” fans are still unsettled over Captain Bobby Nash’s death from April,…
French right-wing National Rally party HQ raided by police in 'harassment operation'

French Police Raid National Rally Party Headquarters in Alleged Harassment Action

The headquarters of the French right-wing National Rally party were searched on…
Manhunt for ICE facility attack suspect reaches 10 days with reward money on the line

Search for Suspect in ICE Facility Attack Extends to 10 Days, with Reward Offered

A military veteran wanted in connection with an attack on an ICE…
Multiple people were injured in 2 Kentucky shootings, including one at a church

Several individuals were hurt in two shooting incidents in Kentucky, one of which occurred at a church.

Police say the suspect carjacked a vehicle after shooting the trooper and…
Waterspout over rooftops.

Severe Weather in Spain: Flooding Halts Search for Two Missing and Lightning Strikes Woman, Waterspout Photo Surfaces

SPAIN has been pummelled by devastating freak storms and floods, with two…
The Left's Continual Calls for Assassinations Are Growing Alarming

Trump Shares How He Believes Divine Intervention Saved Him on the Anniversary of Butler Assassination Attempt

During a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, President Donald Trump marked the one-year…
Yankees voice Dave Sims fires back at Boomer Esiason over games he 'blew off'

Yankees Announcer Dave Sims Responds to Boomer Esiason’s Criticism About Skipping Games

Yankees radio announcer Dave Sims has no regrets about taking time off…
Wildfire along Grand Canyon's North Rim destroys historic lodge and is spreading rapidly

Historic Lodge Destroyed as Wildfire Rapidly Spreads Along Grand Canyon’s North Rim

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — A wildfire that destroyed a historic lodge and…
Sen. Rand Paul Exposes Secret Service Failures. Assassination

Sen. Rand Paul Unveils Secret Service Shortcomings: A Security Breach Insight

A scathing Senate report from Rand Paul details how Secret Service failures…