Al Jazeera reported that Ayatollah Khamenei was seen in public for the first time since the outbreak of the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, which began on June 13. The network noted that the Supreme Leader participated in the Ashura night mourning ceremony for Imam Hussein (AS), an event of deep religious and national significance in Iran. The report also mentioned that official photos released by the Supreme Leader’s office confirmed his attendance.
High-ranking officials including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Judiciary Chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, and First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref were also present at the ceremony. Attendees chanted slogans such as “Long live the Supreme Leader” and “The blood in our veins is a gift to our leader.”
Reuters highlighted that Iranian state television broadcast footage showing the Supreme Leader’s participation in the Ashura ceremony, held in a hall traditionally used for key state events. The agency also noted that Ayatollah Khamenei had been absent from public view during the 12-day war, reportedly due to security concerns, and had instead addressed the nation via a pre-recorded speech aired on June 26, vowing that Iran would not capitulate under pressure from the United States.
France 24 similarly reported on the Leader’s appearance, emphasizing its symbolic weight given the regional conflict. Footage showed Ayatollah Khamenei greeting mourners with waves and nods as he entered the mosque adjacent to his residence. The report described the event as being held under strict security, with the presence of senior Iranian officials underscoring its significance.
The Irish Examiner echoed these accounts, describing the appearance as Ayatollah Khamenei’s first public presence since the start of hostilities with Israel. The outlet pointed to the Leader’s prior absence as evidence of heightened security precautions in place throughout the recent conflict.
In Russia, the event was extensively reported by several state-affiliated media outlets. RT (Russia Today) stated that the Supreme Leader’s participation in the Ashura ceremony marked his first public appearance since the onset of the Israeli-Iranian conflict. RIA Novosti accompanied its coverage with video footage, captioned: “First appearance since the escalation of the conflict – Leader of the Islamic Revolution attends Ashura night ceremony at Imam Khomeini Husseiniyeh.”
RBK News Agency described the event as a significant moment, reporting that Ayatollah Khamenei had previously addressed the public only through recorded video messages since the beginning of the Israeli military campaign. In one such message, broadcast in late June, the Leader declared victory over Israel and praised the resilience of the Iranian people.
The Russian reports emphasized that Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), is one of the holiest observances in Shia Islam, and Ayatollah Khamenei’s presence at the ceremony reflected both spiritual leadership and political resolve.
Since June 13, Israel has launched a series of attacks on Iran, reportedly targeting nuclear facilities, defense systems, senior military commanders, and nuclear scientists. The Supreme Leader’s appearance amid these developments has been interpreted by observers as a message of strength, unity, and steadfastness to both domestic and international audiences.
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