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
Two men help a person out of a car submerged in floodwaters.

Terrifying Flood Waters Surge Into NYC Subway Amid East Coast Storms, Triggering State of Emergency

A massive deluge struck the tristate area on Monday night, resulting in…

Tragic Accident: Twerk Instructor, 33, Dies After Boat Propeller Incident at Famed Tourist Spot

A TWERK instructor tragically lost her life in a horrific accident involving…
Emmy Nominations 2025 announced: List of nominees

2025 Emmy Nominees Revealed: See Who Made the List

This year’s nominees stand to gain from the lack of competition from…
Michael Bernard Bell execution: Man who killed Jimmy West, Tamecka Smith to be executed by lethal injection at FL State Prison

Florida State Prison to Execute Michael Bernard Bell for Murders of Jimmy West and Tamecka Smith

STARKE, Fla. — A man who shot and killed two people outside…
Florida set to execute Michael Bell for 1993 murders

Florida Scheduled to Execute Michael Bell for 1993 Murders

Florida plans to execute Michael Bernard Bell on Tuesday for the 1993…
New text messages fuel Alex Murdaugh's push for new trial

Latest Text Messages Strengthen Alex Murdaugh’s Case for Retrial

Recently discovered text messages between the disgraced ex-lawyer Alex Murdaugh and his…
How Trump plans to dismantle the Education Department after Supreme Court ruling

Trump’s Strategy to Overhaul the Education Department Following Supreme Court Decision

Education Secretary Linda McMahon is poised to act swiftly following the Supreme…
Ghislaine Maxwell's former mansion listed for $2.5 million

Ghislaine Maxwell’s Old Mansion Hits Market for $2.5 Million

The home is going up for sale as news about Jeffrey Epstein…
Teen run over by a truck while sunbathing on the beach

Teenager Struck by Truck During Beach Sunbathing Session

The driver of a pickup truck allegedly ran over the legs of…
State Farm defends Illinois home insurance price hike, blames severe weather events for 'unsustainable' losses

State Farm Justifies Illinois Home Insurance Rate Increase, Citing Severe Weather as Cause for ‘Unsustainable’ Losses

CHICAGO (WLS) — The largest home insurer in Illinois is defending the…
Massachusetts assisted-living blaze kills a musician, secretary, and veteran Army sharpshooter

Tragic Massachusetts Assisted-Living Fire Claims Lives of Musician, Secretary, and Veteran Army Sharpshooter

Gabriel House had seen better days. The 100-unit assisted-living facility that caught…
ABC7 Chicago Job: Desk Assistant

Director/Stage Manager Position Available at ABC7 Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — ABC7/WLS, the ABC Owned Television station in Chicago, IL,…