Iran's Khamenei makes first public appearance since onset of conflict with Israel, attends mourning event

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made his first public appearance on Saturday, 5 July, since the conflict between Iran and Israel began, according to state media. The 86-year-old leader had been out of public view during weeks of growing regional tensions.

State TV showed Khamenei greeting worshippers at the Imam Khomeini Mosque in central Tehran during a ceremony marking the eve of Ashura, an important Shia Muslim observance.

He appeared on stage dressed in black, while the crowd raised their fists and chanted slogans like “The blood in our veins for our leader!”

The moment when the Leader of the Islamic Revolution entered the Imam Khomeini Hussainiyah to attend the fourth night of mourning ceremonies on eve of Ashura, July 5, 2025. pic.twitter.com/Y3WLQAppfe

— Khamenei Media (@Khamenei_m) July 5, 2025

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Khamenei, who has held power since 1989 and has the final say on all state matters, had not been seen publicly since before Israel launched surprise air strikes on 13 June. His last public engagement was a meeting with members of parliament two days before the Israeli attacks.

Although Khamenei released a recorded video statement last week in which he claimed Iran had dealt “a slap to America’s face” by striking a US airbase in Qatar and warned against further attacks, Saturday’s event was his first live public appearance since the 12-day conflict began.