PANews reported on May 9 that, according to Iran's Mehr News Agency, Hassan Khomeini, grandson of Iran's first Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini, stated that the Supreme Leader is in full control of national affairs, and related decisions are proceeding according to procedure. Speaking to Iranian Red Crescent officials and aid workers, Khomeini said, "The Supreme Leader has a firm grasp on the overall situation; related decisions are being made according to procedures and are approved and signed by him." He also appealed to all sectors of society to respect the decisions made by the Iranian state system and to trust the "ability, understanding, and judgment" of officials on the front lines.