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Iran's Supreme Leader Absent as Officials and Millions Attend Funeral

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was absent from his father's funeral, attended by senior officials and millions. The week-long ceremonies, called the "funeral of the century," include events across Iran and Iraq amid heightened political tensions.

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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran's Parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Chief Justice of Iran Gholam-hossein Mohseni Ejei with officials attend a prayer during a public farewell ceremony to pay their respects to late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. A large crowd can be seen in the background as everyone stands looking at the coffin

BBC Reports from Tehran as Millions Expected at Supreme Leader's Funeral

BBC correspondent Nawal Al Maghafi reports from Tehran as millions are expected to attend the funeral of former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose body lies in state ahead of burial next Thursday.

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Crowd of demonstrators holding flags and banners during a protest outdoors.

Massive Crowds Gather in Tehran for Ayatollah Khamenei's Funeral Procession

Massive crowds gathered in Tehran to mourn Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose body lies in state at the Grand Mosalla. Millions are expected to attend the six-day funeral procession across Iran and Iraq, marking a significant event following his death in US-Israeli strikes.

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A man holds up his hands and wails in the crowd at the Grand Mosalla

Iran Initiates Public Mourning for Late Ayatollah Khamenei After US-Israel Strikes

Iran has begun public mourning for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in US-Israel strikes. Ceremonies span Tehran, Qom, Iraq, and Mashhad, with millions expected to attend amid regional and international participation.

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Women react near the coffins of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his family members.

Bomb Blast at Damascus Cafe Kills Nine, Injures 22

A bomb blast at a cafe in central Damascus killed nine and injured 22, marking the deadliest attack since June 2025. No group has claimed responsibility. Officials vow to hold perpetrators accountable amid ongoing instability.

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Syrian emergency services personnel work at the site a bomb blast at a cafe in central Damascus, Syria (2 July 2026)

Syria's Interim President Appoints Final 70 Lawmakers to New Parliament

Syria's Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has appointed the final 70 members of the new parliament, including 15 women and 13 former detainees, amid ongoing challenges in election delays and calls for inclusive representation.

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Mohammed Taha al-Ahmed (L), chairman of the Higher Committee for the Syrian People's Assembly Elections, listens during a news conference at the People's Assembly building in Damascus, Syria (1 July 2026)

US Envoys Meet Mediators in Doha Amid US-Iran Negotiations, No Direct Talks Planned

US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are in Doha to meet mediators on US-Iran talks but will not engage directly with Iranian officials. The discussions follow a ceasefire agreement and ongoing efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resolve regional conflicts.

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File photo showing Jared Kushner (L) and Steve Witkoff (R) at US-Iran talks at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland (21 June 2026)

US and Iran Agree to 'Stand Down' After Recent Exchange of Strikes

The US and Iran have agreed to 'stand down' after recent strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, with talks to continue amid ongoing tensions and ceasefire challenges.

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Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz as seen from Oman on 22 June, 2026.

14 Dead in Helicopter Crash Near Aramco Refinery in Saudi Arabia

A helicopter operated by Aramco crashed in Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia, killing all 14 Saudi nationals onboard. Investigations are ongoing, and the energy ministry extended condolences to victims' families.

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A file photo of Aramco's Ras Tanura oil refinery and oil terminal, which lies along a stretch of coast. The site comprises a network of several tall chimney-shaped structures and smaller buildings. It is daytime and the water along the coastline is a clear blue.

Trump Warns Iran of Possible Annihilation Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions

US President Trump warns Iran of possible annihilation after escalating strikes in the Middle East. Iran calls for regional security framework amid rising tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and retaliatory attacks on US bases.

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Boats anchored off Oman's northern Musandam Peninsula near the Strait of Hormuz

Gulf Voices Concerns to US Over Iran’s Proxy Influence and Regional Power

Gulf leaders express concerns to the US over Iran’s growing proxy influence despite the recent US-Iran deal. Analysts predict Iran will bolster militia support, intensifying regional tensions involving Hezbollah, Houthis, Iraqi militias, and Kurdish groups.

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A row of Houthi soldiers holding rifles stand guard

US Launches Retaliatory Strikes on Iran After Second Strait of Hormuz Shipping Attack

The US launched retaliatory strikes on Iran after a drone attack on a Panama-flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, citing repeated ceasefire violations. Iran denies wrongdoing and claims US strikes breach the ceasefire. Tensions remain high over control of this strategic waterway.

4 min read

Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Oman on June 18, 2026.