Iran's Khamenei attends public event after weeks of war with Israel
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attends a ceremony to mark Ashura, the holiest day on the Shi'ite Muslim calendar, in Tehran, Iran, on July 5, 2025.
PHOTO: Reuters
DUBAI - Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attended a religious event on Saturday (July 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 June 13, and avoided public appearances.
On June 26, in pre-recorded remarks aired on state television, Khamenei promised that Iran would not surrender despite US President Donald Trump's calls.
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