Photographs published by Iranian state media showed Vahidi attending a meeting on funeral preparations before later appearing beside Khamenei’s casket during a smaller memorial service held Thursday night near the late supreme leader’s former residence in central Tehran.

According to the AP, Vahidi had not appeared publicly since Feb. 8, weeks before the conflict referred to as the Iran war began.

Senior Commander Returns to Public View

The AP reported that Vahidi has become an influential figure in shaping Iran’s position during negotiations aimed at reaching a permanent end to the war with the United States.

The report also said Vahidi is believed to be among a small group maintaining direct contact with Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. According to the AP, Mojtaba Khamenei has remained out of public view after reportedly being wounded in Israeli strikes on Feb. 28 that killed his father. Those reports were not independently verified in the supplied material.

Funeral Ceremonies Begin in Tehran

Video released by Iranian state media showed mourners gathering at the husseiniyah within Khamenei’s compound in Tehran for an initial farewell ceremony.

State media said Khamenei’s body rested inside a coffin placed on a stage decorated with red tulips, while paper butterflies hung overhead. Mourners, many identified by state media as relatives of people killed during the 12-day war in 2025 and the recent Iran war, took part in traditional mourning rituals by handing scarves and personal belongings to attendants to briefly touch the casket.

Later images broadcast by state media showed the coffin draped with a red flag bearing the inscription “Ya Hussein,” a Shiite expression commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.

According to the report, the flag had previously flown above the Imam Hussein shrine in Karbala, Iraq, and traditionally symbolizes both unjustly shed blood and a call for vengeance within Shiite tradition.

Nationwide Mourning Planned

Iran is scheduled to begin official funeral ceremonies on Saturday at the Grand Mosalla in Tehran, where authorities are expected to close roads and suspend much of the city’s normal activity as large crowds gather to pay their respects.

Following the ceremony in the capital, Khamenei’s body will be transported to several cities across Iran as well as neighboring Iraq as part of the extended funeral observances, according to the AP.

The funeral comes during a sensitive period for Iran as the country continues to navigate political transition and diplomatic negotiations following the recent conflict. While preparations for the ceremonies are underway, international attention remains focused on Iran’s evolving leadership and the outcome of efforts to reach a lasting settlement to the war.

Tags: Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Ahmad Vahidi, Mojtaba Khamenei, Revolutionary Guard, Tehran, State Funeral, Middle East, Iran Politics, Iraq, Regional Security, Diplomacy

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Ten years after the coordinated Islamic State attacks that devastated Paris, France on Thursday held solemn tributes to the 132 victims who lost their lives on November 13, 2015 — a night that still defines the nation’s sense of grief, unity, and vigilance.

At the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, where the first explosion of that night killed Manuel Dias, his daughter Sophie stood beside President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron, her voice breaking as she described “a void that never closes.” She said the absence of her father “weighs every morning and every evening, for 10 years,” and urged, “I’d like to know why. I’d like to understand. I’d like these attacks to stop.”

A night that changed France forever

On November 13, 2015, a series of meticulously coordinated terrorist assaults struck Paris, turning the city into what witnesses described as “a war zone.” Suicide bombers detonated outside the Stade de France, gunmen attacked crowded cafés and restaurants, and three militants stormed the Bataclan concert hall during a performance by the Eagles of Death Metal. Ninety people were killed at the Bataclan alone; hundreds more were injured across the city.

The attacks shocked France and the world, marking the country’s deadliest act of terror in modern times. Two survivors who later died by suicide have since been officially recognized among the victims, bringing the death toll to 132.

In the decade since, France has reshaped its security apparatus, granting expanded powers to intelligence and law enforcement agencies while engaging in intense public debate over the balance between safety and civil liberties.

Nationwide commemorations and remembrance

President Macron began the day’s tributes at the Stade de France before traveling to each of the targeted sites — including the Carillon and Petit Cambodge cafés in the 10th arrondissement, La Bonne Bière, Le Comptoir Voltaire, and La Belle Équipe in the 11th — ending at the Bataclan theater. Families of victims were given precedence at every location in what the French presidency called a “families first” protocol.

At Place de la République, crowds gathered beneath the statue of Marianne, laying flowers and lighting candles as they did in the days after the attacks. Big screens broadcast the ceremonies across the capital, and buildings were illuminated in the colors of the French flag.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said the city still carries the memory of that night in its streets and in its collective conscience. “Ten years later, the emotion is still intact,” she said, “and hope must be shared, despite the pain and the absence.”

A living memorial to the victims

Later in the evening, Macron was set to inaugurate the “November 13 Memory Garden,” a permanent memorial located opposite City Hall. Designed with input from victims’ associations, the stone garden features engraved granite blocks representing each attack site and bearing the names of the victims.

The commemoration was accompanied by musical performances celebrating the spirit of togetherness that the attackers had sought to destroy — the same everyday pleasures of football, music, and friendship that the country continues to defend.

Church bells across Paris, including those of Notre-Dame Cathedral, were scheduled to ring at dusk, while the Eiffel Tower was illuminated once again in blue, white, and red.

France still shaped by that night

The 2015 attacks not only altered France’s national psyche but also reshaped its politics. The government implemented sweeping counterterrorism measures, introducing laws that gave broader authority to police and intelligence services. Those powers, initially temporary, were later made permanent, fueling ongoing debates over security and personal freedom.

Former Prime Minister Manuel Valls told French broadcaster TF1 that he remembers “every minute, as if my memory refuses to forget.” Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez warned that while a large, coordinated attack like the 2015 operation is now considered less likely, the risk of isolated radicalized individuals acting alone remains “very high.”

Survivors still living with trauma

For survivors, the 10th anniversary reopens wounds that never fully healed. Arthur Dénouveaux, who escaped the Bataclan and now leads the victims’ group Life for Paris, said, “You never fully heal. You just learn to live differently.”

Many survivors speak of learning to rebuild ordinary life — returning to work, socializing, listening to music — without being overwhelmed by memory or fear.

A lengthy trial in 2021–2022 brought a measure of closure. Salah Abdeslam, the lone surviving member of the attacking group, was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole, while 19 others were convicted on related charges. But for many, accountability could not erase the lasting psychological impact.

“The trial didn’t end the pain,” said one survivor interviewed by French media. “It helped us understand, but it didn’t help us forget.”

A decade later: grief, memory, and resilience

As names were read and wreaths laid across Paris, the central message was one of remembrance without spectacle — to honor those lost and uphold the spirit of daily joy the attackers tried to extinguish.

“The goal,” said organizers of the day’s events, “is simple: grief without spectacle, memory with room for the living.”

Source: AP News – France marks 10 years since Bataclan massacre and other Islamic State attacks that still scar Paris

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A deadly fire broke out early Tuesday at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya, a popular ski resort in northwestern Turkey, claiming the lives of at least 76 people. The tragedy occurred during a school holiday, when hotels in the area are packed with vacationers. The fire, which started in the early hours, also injured at least 51 people, with some in serious condition.

The hotel, located in Bolu province’s Koroglu mountains, about 300 kilometers east of Istanbul, was housing 238 registered guests at the time of the fire. The blaze, which reportedly started around 3:27 a.m., engulfed the 12-story building. Firefighters began their response at 4:15 a.m., but the damage had already been severe.

Panic and Desperation as Flames Consumed the Hotel

Guests trapped on upper floors were in a state of panic as they attempted to escape the fire. Atakan Yelkovan, a hotel guest staying on the third floor, described the chaos, stating that some people tried to escape by climbing down sheets tied to balconies, while others jumped from the building in a desperate bid to escape the flames. At least two victims died after jumping.

“I heard screams from the upper floors,” said Yelkovan. “Some people hung sheets down, others tried to jump. It was terrifying.”

Death Toll and Search Efforts

As of now, 45 of the 76 victims have been identified, and efforts are underway to identify the remaining bodies. Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu reported that one of the injured is in serious condition, while others have been treated and released. The final search for victims is expected to continue on Wednesday.

Investigation Launched into the Cause of the Fire

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. Initial reports suggest the fire began in the hotel’s restaurant section. The government has appointed six prosecutors to lead the probe, and nine people have been detained, including the hotel owner. There are also reports that the hotel’s fire detection system failed during the blaze.

One witness, Yelkovan, shared that the alarm did not go off when his wife smelled smoke. This delay, along with the building’s wooden cladding, may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, according to some reports.

National Mourning and Support for Victims

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared a day of national mourning for Wednesday, with flags at government buildings and Turkish diplomatic missions abroad to be lowered to half-staff. Erdogan expressed his sorrow over the incident and promised that the government would ensure those responsible would be held accountable.

“Our hearts are broken. We mourn for those lost in this tragedy,” said Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, who also confirmed the ongoing investigation and search efforts.

Heroic Efforts Amidst the Tragedy

Some hotel staff and guests bravely assisted others in escaping the fire. Necmi Kepcetutan, a ski instructor, described rushing out of the building after waking up to the fire, and helping 20 guests to safety. However, he expressed concern about several guests he couldn’t reach in time.

“The smoke was so thick. I couldn’t reach some of my students,” Kepcetutan said, hoping they had escaped safely.

Efforts to Contain the Fire

The hotel’s unique structure, with part of it built on the side of a cliff, made it difficult for firefighters to reach certain areas. Fire trucks and ambulances were dispatched to the site, and additional hotels at the resort were evacuated as a precaution. Around 30 fire trucks and 28 ambulances were sent to the scene.

Tragic Coincidence: Another Hotel Explosion in Central Turkey

In a separate incident, a gas explosion occurred at a hotel in the Yildiz Mountain Winter Sports Center in Sivas province, central Turkey. Four people were injured, including two skiers and a ski instructor, with one receiving second-degree burns. This adds to the growing number of accidents at ski resorts in the country.

The Road Ahead

The Grand Kartal Hotel fire has left the country in shock, with the government vowing to uncover the full details of what caused the tragedy. As the search for victims continues and the investigation unfolds, the Turkish people stand united in mourning for the lives lost in this devastating disaster.

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A catastrophic aviation disaster unfolded in South Korea on Sunday when a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800, arriving from Bangkok, skidded off the runway, struck a concrete barrier, and burst into flames. The accident claimed 179 lives, leaving only two survivors in one of the country’s worst air disasters in decades.

Crash Details and Scene of Tragedy

The aircraft attempted to land in Muan, approximately 290 kilometers (180 miles) south of Seoul, when its landing gear reportedly failed to deploy. Shocking footage aired by South Korean media revealed the jet skidding across the runway at high speed, crashing into a barrier, and erupting into a massive fireball. Thick black smoke engulfed the wreckage, leaving only the tail section distinguishable.

Emergency workers managed to rescue two crew members, both conscious and without life-threatening injuries. However, the devastation was total for the remaining passengers and crew, most of whom were South Korean nationals, along with two Thai citizens.

Investigation Underway

Authorities are examining potential causes of the crash. A warning about bird activity near the runway was issued to the pilots shortly before landing, and investigators are exploring the possibility of a bird strike. Both the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been recovered, but officials estimate the probe could take months to conclude.

Preliminary analysis of video footage suggests potential hydraulic failure. Aviation experts noted that the pilots did not deploy flaps, slats, or manually lower the landing gear, possibly due to time constraints.

Retired airline pilot John Cox observed that the plane appeared under control but was critically damaged when it struck the barrier. “It disintegrated into catastrophe,” he said.

Jeju Air’s Response

In a public apology, Jeju Air President Kim E-bae expressed his deep regret and vowed to cooperate fully with the investigation. He emphasized that regular maintenance checks had revealed no prior mechanical issues with the aircraft.

The airline also pledged to assist victims’ families and manage the aftermath of the tragedy. Boeing, the aircraft’s manufacturer, has offered its support to Jeju Air in addressing the incident.

Survivors and Victims

One of the survivors, receiving treatment for rib and spinal fractures, recounted waking up to find himself rescued. The identities of 88 victims were confirmed within hours of the crash, with family members gathering at Muan Airport, overcome with grief as officials read out the names of the deceased.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra extended condolences to the victims’ families and instructed Thai authorities to provide support.

National Mourning Declared

The South Korean government has designated Muan a special disaster zone and declared a weeklong national mourning period. Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, now acting head of state amid South Korea’s ongoing political turmoil, visited the crash site and urged swift identification of the victims.

International leaders also offered condolences. Pope Francis said he joined in prayer for the survivors and victims, while U.S. President Joe Biden offered any necessary assistance.

Aviation Disaster Context

The Muan crash is South Korea’s deadliest aviation incident since the 1997 Korean Airlines disaster in Guam, which killed 228 people. Comparisons have also been drawn to the 2010 Air India Express crash in Mangalore and the 2007 São Paulo tragedy, both of which involved runway overruns.

Globally, the Boeing 737-800 is considered a reliable aircraft, with over 4,500 in service. Experts, however, emphasize the need for further investigation to determine the precise cause of this devastating accident.

A Nation in Grief

As South Korea mourns this tragic loss, the crash underscores the critical importance of safety and preparedness in aviation. The nation and the world stand in solidarity with the victims’ families, ensuring their lives are honored amid this somber chapter in aviation history.

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Grief and Loss: A Family’s Pain

Two Thai nationals were among the victims of the deadly Jeju Air crash on Sunday. Boonchuay Duangmanee, father of victim Jongluk Duangmanee, expressed his heartache, saying, “I never thought this would be the last time we would see each other.” Jongluk had been working in South Korea for several years and had just visited her family in Thailand before boarding the ill-fated flight. Boonchuay added, “I heard the plane exploded in Korea this morning but did not expect my daughter to be on it.”

Eyewitness Account: Explosions and Smoke

Im Young Hak, a seafood restaurant owner near the crash site in Muan, described the devastating scene to reporters. He recalled seeing “a big dark smoke” and hearing multiple explosions around 9 a.m. local time. Initially mistaking the noise for an oil tanker accident, Young Hak later realized it was a plane crash, possibly caused by wild geese. “It is traumatic. I’m not sure how long I’ll feel this way, but it won’t be a short time,” he said.

Survivors’ Conditions: Hope Amid Despair

Two crew members survived the crash, making it out of the tail section of the plane. A 33-year-old male survivor is hospitalized at Ewha Hospital in Seoul, suffering from multiple fractures and undergoing intensive monitoring. The hospital director stated, “We avoided detailed questions due to his condition and potential trauma.” The other survivor, a female crew member, is being treated at Seoul Asan Hospital. Both survivors are receiving psychological support.

Deadliest South Korean Air Disaster Since 1997

Sunday’s crash marks the worst aviation disaster in South Korea since 1997, when a Korean Airlines Boeing 747 crashed in Guam, killing 228 people. Of the 181 people onboard the Jeju Air flight, only two survived. The victims ranged from a three-year-old child to a 78-year-old passenger.

Crash Details: What We Know

• The Crash: The Boeing 737-800 skidded down the runway at Muan International Airport, slid on its belly, and erupted into flames. Videos revealed the absence of landing gear and thick smoke pouring from the aircraft.
• Potential Causes: Fire officials and experts suspect a landing gear malfunction, possibly due to a bird strike or bad weather. The investigation may take years to conclude.
• Black Boxes Found: Both the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder were recovered, offering crucial data for investigators.

Passenger’s Final Messages

A passenger texted a friend moments before the crash, writing, “Wait a minute… we can’t land because a bird caught in our wing. Should I leave my last words?” The chilling exchange ended abruptly as the plane crash-landed.

Nation in Mourning

South Korea’s acting President, Choi Sang-mok, declared a week-long mourning period, with 17 memorial altars set up nationwide. The tragedy comes amid political turmoil, with the country’s government under significant strain.

Recovery Efforts

More than 1,570 personnel, including military, police, and government officials, are working on recovery operations. Investigators are reviewing communication data between the cockpit and control tower, focusing on a mayday call made two minutes before the crash.

Reflections

The Jeju Air crash is a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictability of tragedy. As investigations continue, the world mourns the loss of 179 lives while holding onto the stories of resilience and survival that emerged from the wreckage.

Source

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