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Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has made a public appearance for the first time since Israel launched strikes on Iran last month, sparking nearly two weeks of war and resulting in the deaths of numerous top military officials.
At 86 years old, Khamenei attended a Shia ceremony in Tehran on Saturday to commemorate the Muslim month of Muharram. State media broadcasted a video showing Khamenei being greeted by crowds of supporters at the event.
Following the start of Israel’s offensive on June 13, Khamenei delivered three pre-recorded video messages to the Iranian nation. However, his prolonged absence from public view raised concerns about his safety.
This recent conflict marked the first instance since assuming power in 1989 that Khamenei had seemingly gone into hiding during a war.
In his most recent message on June 26, just two days after the ceasefire, Khamenei declared “victory” against the US and Israel, claiming that Israel had been “crushed” during Iran’s counterattacks.
During the ceremony at the Hosseinieh, a Shia Muslim venue used for commemorations and public meetings, Khamenei requested the recitation of “Ey Iran,” a song with strong nationalist themes. The lyrics were modified to include multiple religious references, as Iranian leaders sought to tap into nationalist sentiments aroused by the conflict with Israel.
The whereabouts of the Iranian leader during the past few weeks remain unknown. US President Donald Trump previously suggested that he knew Khamenei’s location and had prevented Israel from assassinating him, a claim that Iran denounced as “state terrorism.”
For Iranians grappling with uncertainty post-ceasefire, Khamenei’s public appearance may signify stability. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described it as “the most beautiful image” he had seen upon arriving in Brazil for a summit of the Brics bloc, which includes Iran.
In a departure from tradition, Khamenei did not attend the religious ceremonies for the commanders killed in the Israeli strikes. Historically, he led funeral prayers for top military and political figures, such as Qassem Soleimani and former president Ebrahim Raisi.
The 12-day war ended with a ceasefire on June 24, resulting in nearly 1,000 deaths in Iranian cities, including over 140 women and children. In Israel, approximately 28 individuals lost their lives during the conflict.
