Iran Holds State Funeral for Slain Supreme Leader Khamenei
Iran has begun dayslong funeral ceremonies for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the ongoing conflict. Mourners have gathered in Tehran, with some chanting 'revenge' during funeral prayers. The event marks a historic moment, as it has been decades since a supreme leader's funeral was held in Iran. The absence of Khamenei's successor has drawn significant attention.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump held a 90-minute phone call on July 4 that Moscow described as 'businesslike'. Trump reportedly offered to help mediate an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, according to the Kremlin. Meanwhile, a separate attack in Crimea killed one person as both Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy held calls with Trump. The Guardian characterizes the outreach as Trump repositioning himself as a peacemaker.