Ayatollah Khamenei Appears in Public Amid Ongoing Conflict with Israel
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appeared in public on Saturday for the first time since the conflict with Israel and the United States.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appeared in public on Saturday for the first time since the conflict with Israel and the United States erupted on June 13, according to Iranian state broadcaster Press TV.
Khamenei was seen attending a religious gathering marking the eve of Ashura, a major Shia Muslim day of mourning. In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), he waved to a crowd of black-clad worshippers who responded with cheers and chants.
This marks Khamenei’s first public appearance in weeks, following reports that he spent much of the 12-day conflict in hiding, sheltering in a bunker with limited communication. During the fighting, which began when Israel unilaterally struck Iranian military and nuclear facilities, U.S. forces joined the assault, targeting three key nuclear sites. President Donald Trump later declared a ceasefire.
Tensions with U.S. and Israel
Throughout the conflict, both Israeli leaders and President Trump openly discussed the possibility of removing Khamenei from power. Trump called the Supreme Leader an “easy target,” and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested Khamenei’s death could bring the war to a swift end.
In a defiant recorded message released shortly after the ceasefire, Khamenei claimed victory over Israel and the United States. “This is not about our nuclear program,” he said. “This is about Iran surrendering… and it will never happen.”
Despite the tough rhetoric, analysts believe Khamenei’s standing at home may have suffered. “The Islamic Republic’s core promise was security in exchange for limited freedoms,” said Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group. “That contract appears broken.”
Israel’s initial strikes were among the most damaging in recent history, reportedly killing several high-ranking Iranian military officials on the first day alone.
U.S. Warns Against Nuclear Restart
Khamenei’s reappearance came just a day after President Trump issued a warning from Air Force One, saying the U.S. would not allow Iran to restart its nuclear program. “If they did start, there’d be a problem,” Trump said.
The warning was echoed by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, who emphasized the need to maintain air superiority to prevent Iran from reviving its missile and nuclear capabilities.
Despite heightened tensions, Trump claimed Iran is eager to reopen talks—an assertion Tehran has repeatedly denied. Still, reports suggest the U.S. is exploring ways to coax Iran back to the negotiating table, including potential sanction relief and unlocking billions in restricted Iranian funds.