Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made his first public appearance on Saturday since the 12-day war between Israel and Iran began on 13 June, according to Iranian state TV. The report, carried by Reuters, showed Khamenei attending a mourning ceremony in Tehran on the eve of Ashoura.
Footage of the appearance was shared by Fars news agency on X, showing Khamenei waving and nodding to a crowd as he entered the mosque next to his office and residence. He was seen sitting among senior officials, including Iran’s Parliament speaker. No public remarks from Khamenei were reported during the ceremony.
🇮🇷 Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei attends ceremony marking martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hossein (AS) pic.twitter.com/c2S8re7E4C
— Fars News Agency (@EnglishFars) July 5, 2025
The event marks his return to public view after weeks of absence, which, according to AP, may have been due to security concerns amid the fighting with Israel. Khamenei has the final say on all major decisions in Iran.
Iran has acknowledged the deaths of more than 900 people in the recent conflict, with thousands more injured. The country has also confirmed that its nuclear facilities suffered damage, though it has denied access to UN nuclear inspectors since the attacks began.
The fighting began when Israel launched strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, military facilities, and high-ranking officials. In response, Iran fired more than 550 ballistic missiles at Israel. While most were intercepted, those that struck caused damage and killed 28 people.
AP reports that the ceremony took place under tight security, as is usual for events involving Iran’s top leadership.
