World Leaders Gather in Tehran as Khamenei Funeral Draws International Delegations

 

TEHRAN, Iran — One of the largest diplomatic gatherings in the Middle East this year is underway as Iran hosts funeral ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian officials say representatives from around 100 countries have been invited, with heads of state, senior ministers, religious figures and political leaders expected to take part.

The funeral is being closely watched around the world, not only as a national and religious event for Iran, but also as a major diplomatic moment. Millions of Iranians are expected to participate in public mourning ceremonies while foreign delegations arrive under tight security.

Countries Sending High-Level Representatives

Pakistan

• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to attend in person, making him one of the highest-ranking foreign leaders at the funeral.

Russia

• Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council and former Russian president, is expected to lead Russia's delegation as President Vladimir Putin's special envoy. The Russian delegation is also expected to include Foreign Ministry officials, Orthodox Church representatives, and Muslim religious scholars.

China

• He Wei, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, has been confirmed as China's official representative.

India
India is sending a delegation that includes:

• Salman Khurshid, former External Affairs Minister.

• Mehbooba Mufti, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.

• Indian reports also say representatives from India's ruling BJP, opposition Congress Party and regional parties were invited.

Iraq

• Iraq is expected to have one of the most visible regional delegations. Reports say Iraq's president and senior political figures are among those attending, along with representatives connected to the Popular Mobilization Forces, also known as Hashd al-Shaabi.

Lebanon

• Lebanon's delegation is expected to include senior representatives from Hezbollah, including Secretary-General Naim Qassem, along with allied political figures. Hezbollah has long maintained close political, military and religious ties with Iran.

Syria

• Syria is expected to send a high-ranking government delegation. Iran and Syria have maintained a long strategic relationship, and Syrian officials are expected to use the funeral to reaffirm those ties.

Armenia

• Armenia is among the countries reported to have sent high-level representation, reflecting its continued diplomatic relationship with Tehran.

Tajikistan

• Tajikistan's president has been reported among the foreign leaders attending, making the Central Asian republic one of the more prominent delegations at the ceremony.

Georgia

• Georgia's president was also reported among the foreign officials seen at the ceremony.

Turkey

• Turkey is expected to be represented by high-ranking officials, reflecting its complicated but important regional relationship with Iran.

Turkmenistan

• Turkmenistan is among the countries reported to have official representation at the funeral.

Belarus

• Belarus is expected to send senior government officials as part of its close political relationship with Tehran, though the specific names of its delegation have not been publicly confirmed.

Venezuela

• Venezuela is expected to be represented by senior government officials, continuing the close relationship between Caracas and Tehran that has developed over the past two decades.

Central Asian Delegations

Several Central Asian nations are expected to send official delegations, including:

• Kazakhstan

• Uzbekistan

• Tajikistan

• Kyrgyzstan

• Turkmenistan

Some governments have confirmed participation or representation, while others have not yet publicly released the names of the officials leading their delegations.

Additional Regional Delegations

Iranian officials have also announced that representatives from numerous countries across Africa, Latin America and the Middle East are expected to attend. Political parties, religious organizations and allied movements from across the region are also sending delegations, including representatives from Hezbollah and Iraq's Hashd al-Shaabi.

Symbolism Beyond the Funeral

Political analysts say the presence of high-level officials from Russia, China, Pakistan, India, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Central Asia underscores Iran's effort to present the funeral as more than a domestic ceremony. It is also a display of the country's diplomatic reach and its continued influence among allies and partners across Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

With additional foreign delegations continuing to arrive, the final list of attendees is expected to grow throughout the multi-day ceremonies, making the funeral one of the largest international gatherings Iran has hosted in decades.

TMZ Report: Mitch McConnell Reportedly Found Unconscious Before June Hospitalization

 

Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was reportedly found unconscious at his Washington, D.C., home before being rushed to the hospital last month, according to a new report published by TMZ.

TMZ reported that McConnell lost consciousness on the morning of June 14 after emergency responders were dispatched to his home following a 911 call. According to the report, emergency communications indicated that first responders were dealing with an unconscious patient, and reports have suggested CPR may have been performed before he was transported for medical treatment. 

When McConnell's office first announced his hospitalization in mid-June, officials provided few details beyond stating that the longtime Kentucky senator was receiving "excellent care." His staff has not publicly confirmed the specific cause of the medical emergency or addressed reports regarding CPR or a possible cardiac event. 

The 84-year-old Republican has faced several well-publicized health challenges in recent years. Those include multiple falls, a concussion, episodes in which he briefly froze while speaking to reporters, and a hospitalization earlier this year for flu-like symptoms. Despite those setbacks, McConnell has continued serving in the Senate while announcing that he will not seek reelection when his current term ends. 

Although McConnell has missed Senate votes during his recovery, Senate leaders have indicated he has remained involved in legislative matters and has continued communicating with colleagues by phone. His office has maintained that he is working on Senate business while recovering but has released few additional details about his condition. 

The latest report has renewed questions about McConnell's health and transparency surrounding the condition of one of the Senate's longest-serving and most influential members. Until his office provides additional medical information, many of the details surrounding the June 14 emergency remain unconfirmed beyond the fact that he was hospitalized following a serious medical incident. 

Trump's Financial Disclosure Reveals Crypto Became His Biggest Source of Revenue in 2025

President Donald Trump's latest federal financial disclosure offers a striking look at how dramatically his business interests have evolved. Once known primarily for his real estate empire, the president's cryptocurrency ventures generated more than $1.1 billion in revenue during 2025, surpassing many of the traditional businesses that helped build his fortune over several decades.

The annual disclosure filed with the U.S. Office of Government Ethics outlines hundreds of pages of financial information covering Trump's wide-ranging business interests. While the report lists revenue rather than profits, it illustrates how rapidly digital assets have become a dominant part of his financial portfolio.

Cryptocurrency Takes Center Stage

According to the filing, Trump's cryptocurrency ventures generated well over a billion dollars in revenue during the reporting period.

One of the largest contributors was World Liberty Financial, which reportedly brought in more than $500 million through the sale of cryptocurrency governance tokens. Another major source was CIC Digital LLC, which generated more than $600 million from the sale of Trump-themed meme coins.

Although these ventures produced significant revenue at launch, many investors who purchased the digital assets have experienced substantial declines in value. Reports indicate that the governance tokens have lost much of their market value since trading began, while the Trump meme coin has also fallen sharply from its initial peak.

Trump-Branded Merchandise Continues to Produce Revenue

Beyond cryptocurrency, Trump's licensing business remained active throughout the year.

The financial disclosure shows income from Trump-branded products including:

• Watches

• Bibles

• Sneakers

• Various licensed merchandise

The filing indicates that branded watches alone generated several million dollars in revenue during the year.

Real Estate Still Plays a Major Role

While cryptocurrency dominated the headlines, Trump's real estate business continued expanding internationally.

The disclosure lists revenue from projects in several countries, including:

• United Arab Emirates

• Saudi Arabia

• Qatar

• Romania

• Vietnam

Many of these developments involve licensing agreements with private developers constructing Trump-branded hotels, resorts, and residential properties.

Domestically, Mar-a-Lago remained one of Trump's strongest-performing properties, reportedly generating approximately $77 million in revenue during 2025.

Ethics Questions Continue

The disclosure has renewed debate over potential conflicts of interest involving a sitting president maintaining extensive private business interests.

Critics argue that several countries where Trump businesses expanded were simultaneously negotiating trade agreements, military cooperation, or other diplomatic matters with the United States.

The White House has rejected those concerns, stating that Trump's assets are managed through a trust overseen by his sons and that the president does not participate in the day-to-day management of his businesses.

Administration officials have maintained that all presidential decisions are made solely in the interests of the American people.

Revenue Does Not Equal Profit

Financial experts note that the disclosure reports gross revenue rather than net profit.

Because expenses, operating costs, taxes, and business liabilities are not included, the filing does not reveal how much income Trump ultimately earned from each business venture.

As a result, while the figures demonstrate the enormous scale of revenue generated during the year, they do not provide a complete picture of profitability.

A Changing Business Empire

For decades, Trump's public image centered on skyscrapers, hotels, golf courses, and luxury real estate. The latest financial disclosure suggests that digital assets have now become one of the most significant components of his business portfolio.

Whether cryptocurrency remains a long-term source of wealth will depend on future market conditions and investor demand. The value of many crypto-related assets has proven highly volatile, with significant price swings affecting both investors and issuers.

The disclosure nonetheless marks a notable shift in the composition of Trump's business empire, highlighting how cryptocurrency has become a central part of his financial interests while continuing to generate political and ethical debate.

Supreme Court Rejects Trump's Bid to End Birthright Citizenship in Landmark 6-3 Decision

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In one of the most consequential constitutional rulings of President Donald Trump's second term, the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected the administration's attempt to end automatic birthright citizenship for most children born on American soil, reaffirming a constitutional principle that has stood for well over a century.

The Court ruled 6-3 that President Trump's executive order seeking to deny citizenship to children born in the United States to parents who are either in the country illegally or temporarily violates the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Chief Justice John Roberts authored the majority opinion, joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Amy Coney Barrett and Ketanji Brown Jackson. Justice Brett Kavanaugh agreed that the executive order was unlawful under existing federal law, while Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch dissented.

A Constitutional Debate Revisited

At the center of the case was the Citizenship Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, which states that all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to its jurisdiction are citizens of the United States.

For more than 125 years, that language has been understood to grant citizenship to nearly everyone born on U.S. soil, with only narrow exceptions such as children of foreign diplomats or occupying military forces.

The Court relied heavily on the landmark 1898 decision in United States v. Wong Kim Ark, which established that birth within the United States generally confers citizenship regardless of a child's parents' immigration status.

Writing for the majority, Roberts emphasized that the Fourteenth Amendment guarantees citizenship to nearly all children born in the country and said the Court saw no reason to depart from that long-standing interpretation.

Trump's Immigration Agenda Suffers Another Setback

President Trump signed the executive order on his first day back in office as part of a broader effort to tighten immigration policies.

The administration argued that unrestricted birthright citizenship encourages illegal immigration and so-called "birth tourism," claiming the Constitution had been misinterpreted for decades.

However, federal courts across the country blocked enforcement almost immediately, preventing the policy from ever taking effect while legal challenges proceeded.

Tuesday's ruling marks another major judicial setback for the administration, following an earlier Supreme Court decision that struck down significant portions of the president's tariff policies.

Trump Calls on Congress to Act

Following the decision, President Trump criticized the ruling and urged Congress to pass legislation restricting birthright citizenship.

Despite the president's call, the Court's majority opinion makes clear that the Fourteenth Amendment itself protects birthright citizenship, meaning any significant change would likely require either a constitutional amendment or legislation capable of surviving constitutional scrutiny.

Justice Kavanaugh suggested Congress could explore legislation establishing specific exceptions, while Justice Alito expressed a similar view in his separate opinion.

Whether such legislation could withstand future constitutional challenges remains uncertain.

Far-Reaching Implications

Legal experts have long viewed birthright citizenship as one of the cornerstones of American constitutional law.

Immigration researchers estimate that roughly 250,000 children born annually in the United States could have been denied automatic citizenship had the executive order taken effect.

Supporters of Trump's policy argued that ending birthright citizenship would discourage illegal immigration and reduce incentives for foreign nationals to give birth in the United States.

Opponents countered that the executive order violated both the Constitution and over a century of Supreme Court precedent while creating uncertainty for thousands of families each year.

A Decision That Will Shape Immigration Policy

The ruling represents one of the Supreme Court's most significant immigration decisions in decades and effectively preserves the nation's long-standing interpretation of citizenship under the Fourteenth Amendment.

Although debate over immigration policy is expected to continue in Congress and on the campaign trail, Tuesday's decision reinforces that any attempt to fundamentally alter birthright citizenship faces an extraordinarily high constitutional hurdle.

For now, the Court has reaffirmed that children born in the United States remain citizens under the Constitution, preserving an interpretation that has defined American citizenship for generations.

Heat Dome Will Bring Dangerous Heat to Eastern U.S. Ahead of Fourth of July

A powerful heat dome is expected to develop over the eastern United States in the days leading up to the Fourth of July, potentially bringing the region its hottest stretch of weather in 40 years.

Forecasters say the developing weather pattern could produce temperatures more than 10 degrees above seasonal averages across parts of the East, while high humidity may push heat index values well into the triple digits.

A heat dome forms when a large, persistent area of high pressure settles over a region, trapping warm air near the surface. Meteorologists say the expected system could feature unusually strong mid-level atmospheric heights for late June and early July, allowing hot, humid air from the Gulf to flow northward for several days.

While hot weather is common during the summer, forecasters say this event could be more intense than typical seasonal heat. Dew points are forecast to reach the 70s in many locations, creating dangerous heat index values that could exceed 100 degrees and, in some areas, approach 110 degrees.

Such conditions can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly for people who spend extended periods outdoors, older adults, young children and those with underlying health conditions. The National Weather Service's HeatRisk forecast indicates widespread areas of major to extreme heat impacts, with more than 100 million people potentially affected if current forecasts hold.

Forecast confidence is increasing, although the exact magnitude of the heat remains uncertain. Ensemble forecast models indicate some locations along the East Coast could approach or exceed 100 degrees. Temperatures of that magnitude are relatively uncommon in many eastern cities and occur only occasionally.

Current forecasts suggest the most intense heat may peak before Independence Day. While temperatures are expected to remain above normal on July 4, forecasters say it is too early to determine whether any records will be challenged.

The weather pattern could also support thunderstorms along the northern edge of the heat dome. These "ridge-riding" storms can occasionally organize into large, long-lived complexes capable of producing damaging winds, including derechos. However, forecasters say it is too early to determine whether such storms will develop.

Residents across the eastern United States are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts, limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, stay hydrated and use appropriate sun protection as the heat wave develops.

Ireland Stands With Palestine Bans Entry to Two Israeli Ministers Over Gaza Rhetoric and Policies

 

Ireland has announced that it will bar two senior Israeli cabinet ministers from entering the country, marking one of its strongest diplomatic actions yet in response to the ongoing war in Gaza.

Prime Minister Micheál Martin confirmed that National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich will be denied entry into Ireland. Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan has instructed immigration authorities to enforce the travel ban, citing the ministers' rhetoric and conduct toward Palestinians during the conflict.

The Irish government said the decision reflects its concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and is intended to prevent officials it believes have contributed to escalating tensions from entering the country.

Growing International Criticism

Ben-Gvir and Smotrich are among the most prominent figures in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition and have drawn widespread international criticism for their hardline positions.

Both ministers have repeatedly advocated for expanding Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, a policy viewed by much of the international community as contrary to international law. They have also faced condemnation for public statements about Palestinians that many governments and human rights organizations have described as inflammatory.

Prime Minister Martin said Ireland believes the international community should take a stronger, more coordinated approach. He also urged the European Union to consider similar measures against the two ministers.

Ireland's Strong Position on Gaza

Ireland has emerged as one of Europe's most outspoken critics of Israel's military campaign in Gaza. Since the conflict intensified, Dublin has consistently called for greater protection of Palestinian civilians, increased humanitarian access, and stronger international accountability.

The travel ban represents another step in Ireland's broader diplomatic stance, which has emphasized respect for international humanitarian law and support for Palestinian rights while calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Irish officials argue that governments have a responsibility to respond when they believe public officials have encouraged policies or rhetoric that contribute to violence or humanitarian suffering.

Israel's Likely Response

The Israeli government has consistently rejected accusations that its military campaign violates international law. Israeli officials maintain that the country is engaged in a legitimate campaign against Hamas following the group's October 7, 2023, attack and say military operations are directed at terrorist infrastructure while efforts are made to minimize civilian casualties.

Israeli leaders have also defended members of the government against international criticism, arguing that many accusations are politically motivated and fail to acknowledge Israel's security concerns.

Diplomatic Tensions Continue

Ireland's decision highlights the growing divisions between Israel and several European governments over the conduct of the Gaza war.

As international pressure mounts, questions surrounding accountability, humanitarian access, and the future of the conflict remain at the center of global diplomatic discussions.

Whether additional European countries follow Ireland's lead remains uncertain, but Dublin's move signals its willingness to take concrete diplomatic action in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the statements of senior Israeli officials.

UN Investigator Calls Israeli Military “One of the Most Criminal Armies in the World”

 

A senior United Nations investigator has delivered one of the strongest public condemnations yet of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, describing the Israeli military as "one of the most criminal armies in the world" while presenting the findings of an independent UN inquiry.

Chris Sidoti, a commissioner with the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, made the remarks during a presentation in Geneva outlining the commission's latest investigation into alleged violations of international law during the Gaza war.

Sidoti's comments came in response to repeated statements by Israeli officials describing the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as "one of the most moral armies in the world."

"I don't know whether it's one of the most moral armies in the world or not," Sidoti said. "But what I do have expertise in is making assessments of criminal conduct. And the only conclusion you can draw is that the Israeli army is one of the most criminal armies in the world."

UN Report Details Alleged Violations

The commission's report alleges widespread violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in the occupied Palestinian territory. According to the investigators, evidence points to extensive civilian casualties, large-scale destruction of civilian infrastructure, displacement of populations, and actions that could amount to war crimes.

The report also examines the humanitarian consequences of the conflict, including damage to hospitals, schools, residential neighborhoods, and other civilian facilities.

Importantly, the commission did not limit its criticism to Israel.

The report also accuses Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups of committing serious violations of international law, including attacks targeting civilians and the taking of hostages. Investigators said accountability should apply equally to all parties responsible for violations.

Israel Rejects the Findings

Israeli officials have strongly rejected the commission's conclusions, arguing that the inquiry is politically biased and unfairly targets Israel.

The Israeli government maintains that its military operations are directed against Hamas, which it designates as a terrorist organization, and says the IDF operates within the framework of international law while taking measures intended to minimize civilian casualties.

Israeli officials have also argued that Hamas embeds military infrastructure within civilian areas, creating complex battlefield conditions that increase the risk of civilian harm.

Accountability Efforts Continue

Sidoti said the commission's work is intended to support ongoing international accountability efforts, including investigations being conducted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and other international legal bodies.

As the conflict continues to draw international attention, legal experts, human rights organizations, governments, and international institutions remain deeply divided over the interpretation of events in Gaza and whether the evidence meets the legal threshold for war crimes or crimes against humanity.

The commission's latest findings are expected to intensify international debate over the conduct of the war and increase pressure for further investigations into alleged violations committed by all sides.

While Israel continues to reject the UN commission's conclusions, the report adds to a growing body of international scrutiny surrounding the conflict and underscores ongoing calls for accountability, transparency, and adherence to international humanitarian law.

Both Israel and Hamas continue to face allegations of serious violations, with international investigators emphasizing that accountability should be pursued regardless of the identity of those responsible.