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
Chicago-area family says wrong turn in Michigan led to ICE detaining business owner Sergio Serna Ramirez, demands his release

Chicago Family Claims Wrong Turn in Michigan Led to ICE Detaining Business Owner Sergio Serna Ramirez; Calls for His Release

CHICAGO (WLS) — Sergio Serna Ramirez and his wife Kristina were on…
Ghost wearing sunglasses and a party hat; text overlay: "Partying isn't dead. Pitch us your party. We'll pay for it."

Bar Introduces $5,000 ‘Slush Fund’ Scholarships as Gen Z Shows Less Interest in Partying

A BREWERY is fighting for your right to party by paying for…
Donald Trump Jr. speaking at a conference.

Donald Trump Jr. Questions Cracker Barrel’s New ‘Woke’ Logo as Share Prices Drop

CRACKER Barrel’s latest rebrand has stirred major controversy as the southern comfort…

Investigations launched at Colorado funeral home after hidden door reveals decomposing bodies

DENVER (AP) — Colorado authorities announced on Thursday that they are investigating…
Dr. James Dobson, Focus on the Family founder and advisor to 5 presidents, dead at 89

Dr. James Dobson, Founder of Focus on the Family and Presidential Advisor, Passes Away at 89

Dr. James Dobson, founder of the Focus on the Family Christian ministry…
A waitress struggles to hold onto a patio umbrella during a strong windstorm.

Terrifying Tornado Strikes Spanish Resort, Sending Café Furniture Flying During Unusual ‘Satan’s Storm’

THIS is the terrifying moment a tornado suddenly swept away tables and…
NYC public defender terminated over antisemitic social media post targeting Israelis

New York City Public Defender Fired for Anti-Israel Comments on Social Media

A public defender with Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) was fired over a…
Family photo of two parents and two children.

Final Days of Distressed Mother Emily Long, 34, Who Chronicled Her Descent Before Family Tragedy

DEVASTATING information has emerged about the last days of a New Hampshire…
Crypto Super PACs Funding the 2026 Midterm Elections

Cryptocurrency Political Action Committees Backing the 2026 Midterm Elections

Cryptocurrency has evolved beyond being a niche subject for tech aficionados and…
'Pack the Bags, We're Going on a Guilt Trip'—the Secret to the Democrats' Success

“Unpacking Emotional Appeals: How Guilt Drives the Democrats’ Success”

If you grew up in a predominantly conservative area with parents who…
Alleged victim speaks out after Addison ice cream shop owner Steven Weisberg accused of secretly recording child pornography

Ice Cream Shop Owner in Addison Faces Allegations of Secretly Filming Child Pornography, Victim Breaks Silence

ADDISON, Ill. (WLS) — A suburban teenager is coming forward to say…
Bryan Kohberger questioned: Inside his first interview with police after Idaho student murders

Idaho Police Chief Shares New Insights on Bryan Kohberger Student Murder Case

Retired NYPD inspector Paul Mauro joined ‘Fox & Friends’ to talk about…