After the Iran-Israel war, Ayatollah Khamenei made his first public appearance at the Ashura program in Tehran. His absence during the war had raised several questions about his health and safety.
Iran: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made his first public appearance after a 12-day war between Iran and Israel. He participated in a religious program held in the capital, Tehran, on Saturday. This program was organized on the occasion of Ashura, one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar.
In a video broadcast on state television, Khamenei was seen entering a large hall wearing traditional black robes. A large number of people were present, who chanted slogans and expressed enthusiasm as he arrived. This is the same hall that is often the center of important political and religious events in Iran.
Khamenei appears publicly
This is the first time Khamenei has been seen publicly since the Israeli-Iranian conflict, which began on June 13. During the war, all his announcements and speeches were broadcast only through recorded videos. This led to questions about his health and presence.
Iranian officials have clarified that this decision was taken under security protocols. In view of the sensitive situation of the war, the Supreme Leader was kept away from public events to protect him from any potential threat.
Khamenei remained hidden during the war
When Israel launched Operation 'Rising Lion' on June 13, suddenly attacking several military and nuclear installations of Iran, no public reaction came from Khamenei. Several top military officials and nuclear scientists of Iran were killed in these attacks. Responding to the Israeli attacks, Iran also targeted cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem with ballistic missiles.
Although Israeli security systems destroyed most of the missiles mid-air, 28 people died in the attacks and there was damage in many areas. During this entire conflict, Khamenei's security was given top priority and he was kept in a safe place.
Questions were raised about Khamenei's absence
Khamenei's public absence from June 13 until now had given rise to many speculations about his health. However, the Iranian government repeatedly said that this was entirely a strategic and security-related decision. His presence at the Ashura program put an end to these speculations.