Tehran, July 5 – Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been seen in public for the first time since hostilities escalated between Iran and Israel. According to state media, Khamenei attended a religious gathering at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Mosque, marking his first official appearance in weeks.
The event, held a day before Ashura—a major Shia observance honoring the martyrdom of Imam Hussein—drew high-ranking officials, including Iran’s Parliament Speaker. Broadcast footage showed Khamenei dressed in black, acknowledging supporters who chanted in solidarity.
Khamenei had not been seen publicly since mid-March, following Israel’s preemptive military actions. While a pre-recorded message surfaced last week, foreign analysts had speculated that he might be avoiding public exposure due to security concerns.
His reappearance is seen as an effort to project strength and unity amid ongoing regional strife. Observers suggest this could signal a shift in Iran’s stance, potentially leading to heightened rhetoric or indirect confrontations with Israel.
As tensions persist, Khamenei’s visibility may influence both domestic morale and regional dynamics. Analysts will be closely watching Iran’s next steps as the situation develops.
*(This is a rewritten version for news reporting purposes and does not infringe on any copyright.)*
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