Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appeared in public for the first time since the recent war with Israel. The 86-year-old leader, who wields ultimate authority over all matters of state, was last seen before the Israeli military launched a wave of air strikes on June 13.
Iranian state television aired footage of Khamenei dressed in black, addressing a congregation at the Imam Khomeini Mosque in central Tehran during a ceremony marking the eve of Ashura, one of the holiest days in the Shia Islamic calendar.
Chants of “The blood in our veins for our leader!” echoed through the mosque as worshippers raised their fists, welcoming the appearance of the Supreme Leader at a moment of mounting regional unease.
Khamenei’s absence had drawn speculation in recent weeks, particularly as tensions surged following a 12-day conflict with Israel, which reportedly left more than 900 Iranians dead and caused widespread destruction across Tehran and other cities. His last known public engagement had been a meeting with Iranian lawmakers on June 11.
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Although a pre-recorded video message had been released earlier in the week, in which Khamenei declared Iran had delivered a “slap to America’s face” by targeting a US airbase in Qatar, Saturday marked his first live appearance since the conflict began.
The symbolism of his return was not lost on observers, given its timing during the month of Muharram and on the eve of Ashura, which commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, a defining event in Shia Islam. The day is marked by nationwide mourning and mass public processions and holds significant political and religious resonance in Iran.
Khamenei’s re-emergence appears intended to signal resolve and continuity at a time when the regime faces growing scrutiny, both domestically and from abroad. The 12-day war with Israel and Iran’s claim of retaliatory strikes against American targets have only intensified focus on Tehran’s strategic posturing.
His speech did not include fresh remarks, but the powerful imagery of his presence at the Ashura ceremony will likely be seen as a message of strength directed both at the Iranian public and the broader international community.
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