In a significant event, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appeared in public for the first time since the onset of the conflict with Israel, as reported by state media. The ceremony took place at a mosque on Saturday, coinciding with the eve of the Shia commemoration of Ashura. Previously, Khamenei had delivered a recorded address during the war, which began on June 13, wherein prominent Iranian military leaders and nuclear scientists lost their lives. The conflict ignited after Israel launched unexpected strikes on nuclear and military targets within Iran, leading to Iranian retaliatory air strikes.
Throughout the 12-day conflict, Khamenei's two public appearances consisted primarily of three video messages, leading to speculation regarding his safety as many believed he may have taken refuge in a bunker. His re-appearance on Iranian television was met with enthusiastic responses from supporters, and footage showed Khamenei encouraging senior cleric Mahmoud Karimi to lead the crowd in singing "O Iran," a patriotic anthem popularized during the recent hostilities.
The event was broadcast live by state TV and was held at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Mosque, named after the founder of the Islamic Republic. Iranian media has since invited citizens to submit videos expressing their reactions to the Supreme Leader’s return.
Khamenei's public appearance coincides with the significant month of Muharram, a period of mourning for Shia Muslims. Ashura, observed on the 10th of Muharram – this year on July 6 – memorializes the martyrdom of Hossein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. On June 26, Khamenei had delivered pre-recorded statements on state television vowing that Iran would not yield to Israel, refuting calls from US President Donald Trump for compliance. The United States also entered the conflict on June 22, conducting airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities using a fleet of 125 military aircraft. Reports indicate that over 900 lives were lost during the intense 12-day war.
