Iran's Khamenei attends public event after weeks of war with Israel
From left: This combination of photos shows Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Budapest, Hungary, Apr 3, 2025, US President Donald Trump in the briefing room of the White House in Washington, Jun 27, 2025, and a handout of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a televised speech in Tehran, Iran, Jun 26, 2025. (Photos: AP/Denes Erdos, Jacquelyn Martin, Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader)
DUBAI: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attended a religious event on Saturday (Jul 5), according to a video carried by state television, after reports that he was in a "secure location" since the start of a 12-day air war with Israel in which top Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists were killed.
The video carried by state media showed dozens attending a ceremony to mark Ashura, the holiest day of the Shi'ite Muslim calendar, standing chanting as Khamenei entered a hall where many government functions are held.
For apparent security reasons, Khamenei had issued pre-taped messages during the war which started on Jun 13, and avoided public appearances.
On Jun 26, in pre-recorded remarks aired on state television, Khamenei promised that Iran would not surrender despite US President Donald Trump's calls.
