Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made a notable return to public life on Saturday, marking his first appearance since the onset of the Israel-Iran conflict. The state media broadcast footage of Khamenei greeting worshippers at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Mosque, coinciding with the preparations for the Shia festival of Ashura. His last public communication was a recorded address during the hostilities that began on June 13, which resulted in the deaths of numerous Iranian military figures as Israel targeted key nuclear and military installations.
Khamenei's emergence followed intense speculation regarding his whereabouts, with reports suggesting he may have been in hiding as the conflict escalated. This 12-day war sparked heightened tensions, resulting in retaliatory airstrikes against Israel from Iranian forces. State media depicted a jubilant atmosphere surrounding Khamenei's appearance, prominently featuring supporters expressing relief and excitement at his visible presence.
While interacting with senior cleric Mahmoud Karimi, Khamenei encouraged the singing of the patriotic anthem "O Iran," which has gained popularity during the recent conflict. The ceremony resonated emotionally with the nation as they simultaneously enter the month of Muharram, a period marked by remembrance and sorrow for Shia Muslims, culminating in Ashura on July 6.
On June 26, Khamenei voiced defiance against Israel, asserting that Iran would not acquiesce to external pressures despite calls for resolution from former US President Donald Trump. The war escalated when the US intervened with airstrikes targeting vital Iranian nuclear sites, resulting in a casualty count exceeding 900, according to Iran’s judiciary. Reports also indicated that CIA assessments highlighted substantial damage inflicted on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure during the hostilities.
