Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appeared in public on Saturday for the first time since the start of a 12-day air war with Israel, attending a religious event commemorating Ashura, the holiest day in the Shi’ite Muslim calendar.
State television broadcast footage showing Khamenei entering a ceremonial hall used for key government functions, where dozens of participants stood and chanted upon his arrival. The event marked a significant moment amid heightened security concerns and regional tensions.
Khamenei had reportedly been in a “secure location” since the conflict began on June 13, during which several top Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists were killed in Israeli airstrikes. In the intervening days, the Supreme Leader issued only pre-recorded video messages.
In one such message, aired on June 26, Khamenei vowed that Iran would not surrender to external pressure, rejecting calls by U.S. President Donald Trump and reaffirming Iran’s resistance stance.
The rare public appearance is likely aimed at demonstrating continuity and resilience in the face of escalating regional tensions and internal unease.
Source: Dunya News
