Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei Makes First Public Appearance Since Israel–Iran Clash
Ayatollah Khamenei’s attendance at the Ashura ceremony in Tehran—his first public appearance since June 13—served as a powerful message to both domestic and international audiences.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reappeared in public for the first time since the 12‑day military confrontation with Israel. Attending a mourning ceremony in Tehran on the eve of Ashura, Khamenei was greeted by chants and fervent acclamation from worshippers, state media footage shows.
Videos broadcast by Iranian state TV captured an emotional scene at the Imam Khomeini Mosque: as the 86‑year‑old cleric entered, mourners rose to chant slogans—among them “The blood in our veins for our leader!”—and waved in his honour.
🇮🇷| JUST IN: The Leader of Iran, Imam Khamenei, was present at a mourning ceremony on the night of Ashura.
He’s not scared at all, what a boss. pic.twitter.com/oiL71aqAIS
— Arya – آریا (@AryJeay) July 5, 2025
Khamenei had remained out of sight since Israel launched its air campaign on June 13, targeting Iranian and nuclear facilities. During that period, he communicated only via prerecorded statements—including one on June 26 in which he proclaimed Iran had delivered “a heavy slap to America’s face”.
The conflict claimed more than 900 Iranian lives and damaged nuclear infrastructure before a ceasefire held from June 24 onward.
While Khamenei did not speak during the Ashura gathering, his presence marked a significant political signal: it confirmed both his safety and the cohesion of the regime after weeks of silence and speculation.
In the aftermath of the strikes, Iran has barred access to its nuclear sites and suspended cooperation with the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency.
Ayatollah Khamenei’s attendance at the Ashura ceremony in Tehran—his first public appearance since June 13—served as a powerful message to both domestic and international audiences.
