Iran’s supreme leader makes first public appearance since start of war with Israel – The Times of Israel
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Iran’s Khamenei makes first public appearance since war with Israel
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attended a religious ceremony in Tehran on Saturday. It was his first public appearance since the 12 days of conflict between Israel and Iran. The 85-year-old leader has avoided public appearances since the start of the fighting on June 13, and his speeches have all been prerecorded. Iran has acknowledged that more than 900 people were killed in the war, as well as thousands injured. Iran was holding talks with the US on its nuclear programme when Israel launched its attacks. The US has been seeking a new agreement after Trump pulled the US out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which Tehran signed with world powers in 2015.
The 85-year-old leader appeared in a video aired by state media on Saturday, which showed dozens of people attending an event at a mosque to mark Ashura, the holiest day of the Shia Muslim calendar.
In the footage, Khamenei is seen waving and nodding to the chanting crowd, which rose to its feet as he entered the mosque.
State TV said the clip was filmed at the Imam Khomeini Mosque in central Tehran.
Khamenei has avoided public appearances since the start of the fighting on June 13, and his speeches have all been prerecorded.
The United States, which joined in the Israeli attacks by bombing three key nuclear sites in Iran on June 22, had sent warnings to Khamenei, with US President Donald Trump saying on social media that Washington knew where the Iranian leader was, but had no plans to kill him, “at least for now”.
On June 26, in prerecorded remarks aired on state television, Khamenei rejected Trump’s calls for Iran’s surrender, and said Tehran had delivered a “slap to America’s face” by striking a US airbase in Qatar
Trump replied, in remarks to reporters and on social media: “Look, you’re a man of great faith. A man who’s highly respected in his country. You have to tell the truth. You got beat to hell.”
Iran has acknowledged that more than 900 people were killed in the war, as well as thousands injured. Iran’s retaliatory missile attacks on Israel killed at least 28 people there.
The ceasefire between the two countries took hold on June 24.
Since then, Iran has confirmed serious damage to its nuclear facilities, and denied access to them for inspectors from the United Nations’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The IAEA’s inspectors had stayed in the Iranian capital throughout the fighting, even as Israel attacked Iranian military sites and killed several of the country’s most senior commanders and top scientists, as well as hundreds of civilians.
However, they left after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a law suspending cooperation with the IAEA on Wednesday.
IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi on Friday stressed “the crucial importance” of dialogue with Iran to resume monitoring and verification work of its nuclear programme as soon as possible.
Iran was holding talks with the US on its nuclear programme when Israel launched its attacks. The US has been seeking a new agreement after Trump pulled the US out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which Tehran signed with world powers in 2015.
Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi separately said on Thursday that the country remains committed to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), dismissing speculation that Iran would leave the international accord.
Where was Khamenei hiding? Iran’s Supreme Leader makes public appearance days after 12-day war with Israel
Khamenei appeared in public for the first time since the start of the conflict with Israel. He was seen smiling and waving to the crowd. He said he was worried about his health, but that he was doing well. The conflict is the worst since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1980s, according to the U.S. State Department.
Why did Khamenei go missing?
The Iranian supreme leader has been missing from the public for quite a while. His absence during the Israel-Iran conflict had given rise to speculations over his health. However, as crowds chanted, “The blood in our veins for our leader!” Khamenei on Saturday was seen waving and smiling, he appeared physically stable.
Earlier, amid the conflict between Israel and Iran, which the US entered later, Mehdi Fazaeli, head of Khamenei’s archives office, during an interview with The New York Times, was asked about Khamenei’s well-being: “People are very worried about the Supreme Leader.” To this, Fazaeli, without offering a direct answer, ominously said, “We all should be praying.”
He assured the host that the people who are responsible for protecting the Supreme Leader were doing their job well, and said, “God willing, our people can celebrate victory next to their leader, God willing.”
Khamenei absent from action
The appearance marked Khamenei’s first in-person event since June 11 — just two days before Israel launched surprise airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites on June 13. The Israeli airstrikes ignited the most direct military confrontation between the two countries in decades.
Iran’s supremo Khamenei makes first public appearance since Iran-Israel war
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attended a mourning ceremony on the eve of Ashoura. The absence of Khamenei during the war had suggested heavy security for the Iranian leader, who has final say on all state matters. State TV in Iran showed Khamenei waving and nodding to the chanting crowd as he entered and sat. There was no immediate report on any public statement made. Iran has acknowledged the deaths of more than 900 people in the war, as well as thousands of injured. It also has confirmed serious damage to its nuclear facilities, and has denied access to the sites for inspectors.
Tehran
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday made his first public appearance since the 12-day war between Israel and Iran began, attending a mourning ceremony on the eve of Ashoura.
The absence of Khamenei during the war had suggested heavy security for the Iranian leader, who has final say on all state matters. State TV in Iran showed Khamenei waving and nodding to the chanting crowd as he entered and sat.
There was no immediate report on any public statement made.
Iran has acknowledged the deaths of more than 900 people in the war, as well as thousands of injured. It also has confirmed serious damage to its nuclear facilities, and has denied access to the sites for inspectors with the UN nuclear watchdog.
The video of Khamenei’e first public appearance was posted on the X accounts of several official of the country:
امشب؛ مراسم عزاداری شب #عاشورا در حسینیه امام خمینی pic.twitter.com/OEEFK8iDNn — KHAMENEI.IR | فارسی 🇮🇷 (@Khamenei_fa) July 5, 2025
Khamenei hosted a remembrance of the 7th century martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Hussein, at a mosque next to his office and residence in the capital, Tehran. Iranian officials such as the Parliament speaker were present, and such events are always held under heavy security.
Shiites represent over 10 per cent of the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims, and they view Hussein as the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad.
Hussein’s death in battle at the hands of Sunnis at Karbala, south of Baghdad, created a rift in Islam and continues to play a key role in shaping Shiite identity.
In predominantly Shiite Iran, red flags represented Hussein’s blood and black funeral tents and clothes represented mourning.
Processions of chest-beating and self-flagellating men demonstrated fervour. Some sprayed water over the mourners in the intense heat.
Israel relentlessly attacked Iran beginning June 13, targeting its nuclear sites, defense systems, high-ranking military officials and atomic scientists.
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In retaliation, Iran fired more than 550 ballistic missiles at Israel, most of which were intercepted, but those that got through caused damage in many areas and killed 28 people.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei makes first public appearance since onset of Israel-Iran war
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has made his first public appearance since the onset of his country’s conflict with Israel. This notable emergence on Saturday, July 5, marks a return to public visibility for the 86-year-old leader. His appearance, broadcast by state television, showed him waving and nodding to a crowd of mourners as he entered a mosque adjacent to his residence and office in the capital Tehran. His reappearance is particularly symbolic, coinciding with the solemn observances of Muharram and the eve of Ashura.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has made his first public appearance since the onset of his country’s conflict with Israel, as reported by state media. This notable emergence on Saturday, July 5, marks a return to public visibility for the 86-year-old leader, whose absence had been observed amid increasing regional tensions.
The 86-year-old leader had remained out of public view during the height of the conflict. His appearance, broadcast by state television, showed him waving and nodding to a crowd of mourners as he entered a mosque adjacent to his residence and office in the capital.
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State television footage showed Khamenei greeting worshippers at the Imam Khomeini Mosque in central Tehran during a ceremony held on the eve of Ashura, a deeply significant Shia festival. Khamenei was shown on stage, dressed in black, while the crowd, with raised fists, chanted slogans such as “The blood in our veins for our leader!”
Having been in power since 1989 and possessing the final say on all state matters, Khamenei had not been seen in public since before Israel launched a series of unexpected air strikes on June 13.
His last recorded public engagement before the conflict was a meeting with parliament members two days prior to the Israeli strikes. Although he had released a pre-recorded video statement last week, in which he claimed Tehran had delivered a “slap to America’s face” by striking a US airbase in Qatar and warned against further attacks, this was his first live public appearance since the 12-day conflict began.
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The timing of his reappearance is particularly symbolic, coinciding with the solemn observances of Muharram and the eve of Ashura. Ashura, observed on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram (falling on Sunday, July 6), commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, a revered figure in Shia Islam.
This period is characterised by deep mourning, religious ceremonies, and public processions, making it a crucial time for religious and political messaging in Iran.
(With inputs from AP)
Iran’s Supreme Leader Makes First Public Appearance Since War
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei emerged from hiding Saturday to attend a religious ceremony. It was his first public appearance since the 12-day war between Israel and Iran began. His decision to emerge from what sources describe as “bunker hiding” demonstrates either increased confidence in his security or the political necessity of showing strength to his people. The ceremony was held under heavy security, with Iranian officials including the Parliament speaker in attendance. There was no immediate report of any public statement made during the event. The extent of damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities. remains unclear, as does whether enriched uranium or centrifuges were moved before the attacks. Iran’s willingness to continue negotiations with the U.S. over its nuclear program is in question, rejecting offer to restart diplomacy immediately. Iran has acknowledged serious damage to its nuclear facilities and denied access to U.N. inspectors.
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Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei emerged from hiding Saturday to attend a religious ceremony, marking his first public appearance since the 12-day war between Israel and Iran began.
Why It Matters
Khamenei’s public reappearance signals a potential shift in Iran’s posture following a devastating conflict that saw U.S. forces bomb three key nuclear sites and resulted in over 900 Iranian deaths.
His decision to emerge from what sources describe as “bunker hiding” demonstrates either increased confidence in his security or the political necessity of showing strength to his people during a significant religious observance.
The timing coincides with Iran’s controversial suspension of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and reports of major internet disruptions across the country, suggesting ongoing tensions and potential preparations for future diplomatic or military developments.
What To Know
The 86-year-old leader appeared at a mourning ceremony on the eve of Ashoura at a mosque next to his office and residence in Tehran, where state television showed him waving and nodding to a chanting crowd that rose to its feet upon his entrance.
Khamenei’s absence during the recent conflict had suggested heightened security concerns for the Iranian leader, who maintains final authority on all state matters. The ceremony was held under heavy security, with Iranian officials including the Parliament speaker in attendance. There was no immediate report of any public statement made during the event.
The 12-day war began when Israel launched strikes fearing Iran was developing atomic weapons, targeting defense systems, military officials, and atomic scientists. In retaliation, Iran fired more than 550 ballistic missiles at Israel, with most intercepted, killing 28 people. The U.S. subsequently bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, which President Donald Trump described as “total obliteration.”
Iran has acknowledged serious damage to its nuclear facilities and denied access to U.N. inspectors. On Wednesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a law suspending cooperation with the IAEA, after parliament voted in favor of the bill.
The ceremony Khamenei attended commemorates the 7th century martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson Hussein, a pivotal event in Shiite Islam that created the historic rift between Sunni and Shiite Muslims.
What People Are Saying
U.S. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said last week: “It is unacceptable that Iran chose to suspend cooperation with the IAEA at a time when it has a window of opportunity to reverse course and choose a path of peace and prosperity.”
She added: “Iran must cooperate fully, without further delay.”
President Donald Trump addressed the Iranian Supreme Leader during a White House press conference in June: “Look, you’re a man of great faith. A man who’s highly respected in his country. You have to tell the truth. You got beat to hell.”
Supreme Leader Khamenei in previous statement said Tehran had delivered a: “Slap to America’s face” by striking a U.S. air base in Qatar, warning against further attacks by the U.S. or Israel.
FILE – In this photo released by the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei waves to the crowd during a meeting with officials, Islamic countries’ ambassador to Iran and a… FILE – In this photo released by the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei waves to the crowd during a meeting with officials, Islamic countries’ ambassador to Iran and a group of people in Tehran, Iran, March 31, 2025. More Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP, File
What Happens Next
The extent of damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities remains unclear, as does whether enriched uranium or centrifuges were moved before the attacks.
Iran’s willingness to continue negotiations with the U.S. over its nuclear program is now in question, especially after rejecting Trump’s offer to restart diplomacy immediately.
Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.