Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appeared in public Saturday for a religious gathering, marking his first sighting since Iran was plunged into conflict with Israel on June 13. The appearance, reported by Iran’s state media Press TV, shows Khamenei waving to crowds commemorating the eve of Ashura, a major Shia Muslim observance.
Khamenei had remained out of the public eye during the 12-day conflict, which began when Israel launched unprecedented airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites. The United States later joined the strikes before President Donald Trump declared a ceasefire.
During his absence, Khamenei reportedly took shelter in a bunker with limited communication. Israeli and US leaders openly discussed plans to remove him by force; Trump called Khamenei an “easy target,” while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested Khamenei’s death could end the conflict.
After the ceasefire, Khamenei released a defiant statement declaring victory over Israel and the US, rejecting Trump’s calls for Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”
“This conflict is not about our nuclear program,” Khamenei said. “It’s about forcing Iran to surrender. The Americans have opposed Islamic Iran since our revolution. That will never happen.”
However, analysts say the conflict has weakened Khamenei’s image at home. Israeli strikes on June 13 killed top Iranian commanders and shattered the government’s long-standing reputation for providing security in exchange for restricting freedoms, said Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group.
Khamenei’s reemergence came a day after Trump declared the US “won’t allow” Iran to restart its nuclear program. Trump warned that any attempt by Iran to resume nuclear work would lead to new US action. He also said he would discuss Iran with Netanyahu during the Israeli leader’s upcoming visit to Washington.
Meanwhile, sources told CNN that the Trump administration has considered offering Iran up to $30 billion in sanctions relief and funds for a civilian nuclear program if Tehran agrees to negotiations—though Iranian officials have denied any interest in talks.
