Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made his first public appearance since the outbreak of hostilities with Israel, attending an Ashura commemoration in Tehran on Saturday. State television footage showed the 85-year-old leader entering a government hall where officials and religious mourners had gathered for the solemn occasion. His presence marked the end of a 12-day period during which he had avoided public events due to security concerns following Israeli airstrikes.
The Supreme Leader had remained in a secure location since June 13, when Israel launched retaliatory strikes that killed several high-ranking Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists. Throughout the conflict, Khamenei communicated only through pre-recorded messages broadcast on state media, a departure from his usual public engagements.
In his most recent televised address on June 26, Khamenei struck a defiant tone against Western pressure. “The Islamic Republic will not surrender to the threats of America or any other power,” he declared, directly referencing calls from former U.S. President Donald Trump. The statement came as Iran faced increasing international isolation over its nuclear program and regional activities.
The choice to reappear during Ashura, which commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, carried significant symbolism. The holiday’s themes of resistance against oppression aligned with Khamenei’s narrative of standing firm against foreign pressure. Analysts suggest the public appearance was carefully timed to project strength and normalcy after weeks of military confrontation and internal uncertainty.