Ayatollah Khamenei Makes First Public Appearance Since War With Israel, US
Khamenei attended a religious ceremony in Tehran, which was featured in a video broadcast by state media. The 85-year-old leader attended the Imam Khomeini Mosque during an Ashura event, considered the most sacred day in the Shia Muslim calendar.
The Supreme Leader is seen acknowledging a large crowd with waves and nods as attendees stand and chant slogans of devotion upon his arrival.
Khamenei had remained completely out of public sight since the surprise attack by Israel on June 13, with only prerecorded messages being released at various times.
There was widespread speculation that Israel was seeking to take out the Ayatollah if its warplanes or assassins had a chance. Many top-ranking military leaders as well as nuclear scientists were killed over the 12-day period, which saw Iran launch significant retaliatory attacks on Tel Aviv and other locations in Israel.
One key pre-recorded speech upon the end of fighting, issued by Khamenei on June 26, involved the top Shia religious cleric dismissing President Trump's demand for Iran's submission. He declared that Iran had dealt 'a slap to America's face' by launching an attack on a US military base in Qatar; however, the Pentagon said all inbound projectiles were intercepted.
Trump responded by directing a message at Khamenei which said 'You're a man of great faith, respected in your country. But you need to be honest — you got beat to hell.'
Given the obvious deep inroads Mossad intelligence has made into the Islamic Republic, Khamenei likely spent the conflict in a secret underground bunker known only to his closest aides.
Iran suffered severe damage, but Tel Aviv also showed signs of devastation from Iranian ballistic and hypersonic missile strikes:
https://twitter.com/_iraninarabic/status/1937958003971674570
At one point the headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was attacked and reportedly blown up by Israeli warplanes.
But Iran's ballistic missiles also did severe damage on some Israeli military command centers, including apparent attacks on some Mossad locations in Israel.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Insider
15 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
Ayatollah Khamenei Makes First Public Appearance Since War With Israel, US
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made his first public appearance since last month's 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, at the end of which the US sent B-2 bombers in an effort to destroy three key nuclear facilities. Khamenei attended a religious ceremony in Tehran, which was featured in a video broadcast by state media. The 85-year-old leader attended the Imam Khomeini Mosque during an Ashura event, considered the most sacred day in the Shia Muslim calendar. The Supreme Leader is seen acknowledging a large crowd with waves and nods as attendees stand and chant slogans of devotion upon his arrival. Khamenei had remained completely out of public sight since the surprise attack by Israel on June 13, with only prerecorded messages being released at various times. There was widespread speculation that Israel was seeking to take out the Ayatollah if its warplanes or assassins had a chance. Many top-ranking military leaders as well as nuclear scientists were killed over the 12-day period, which saw Iran launch significant retaliatory attacks on Tel Aviv and other locations in Israel. One key pre-recorded speech upon the end of fighting, issued by Khamenei on June 26, involved the top Shia religious cleric dismissing President Trump's demand for Iran's submission. He declared that Iran had dealt 'a slap to America's face' by launching an attack on a US military base in Qatar; however, the Pentagon said all inbound projectiles were intercepted. Trump responded by directing a message at Khamenei which said 'You're a man of great faith, respected in your country. But you need to be honest — you got beat to hell.' Given the obvious deep inroads Mossad intelligence has made into the Islamic Republic, Khamenei likely spent the conflict in a secret underground bunker known only to his closest aides. Iran suffered severe damage, but Tel Aviv also showed signs of devastation from Iranian ballistic and hypersonic missile strikes: At one point the headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was attacked and reportedly blown up by Israeli warplanes. But Iran's ballistic missiles also did severe damage on some Israeli military command centers, including apparent attacks on some Mossad locations in Israel.
Daily Tribune
17 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Majestic Harmony
TDT | Manama His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has praised the smooth and dignified observance of Ashura this year, expressing pride in the government's efforts, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in supporting and facilitating the religious commemoration. HM the King noted that the solemn occasion, rich in spiritual and cultural meaning, remains a cornerstone of Bahrain's tradition of religious freedom and sectarian diversity. His Majesty said this year's events were marked by a remarkable sense of order and public discipline, reflecting Bahrain's values of openness and harmony in a world increasingly in need of peaceful coexistence. HM King's praise for unity His Majesty commended government bodies across various sectors for their role in ensuring public safety and enabling freedom of worship. Particular appreciation was extended to the Ministry of Interior, the Jaafari Endowments Council, scholars, heads of ma'atams, supervisory committees, and volunteers. HM King Hamad emphasised their collective sense of civic responsibility and unity, which he said were key to the commendable level of coordination and success. His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, relayed HM the King's appreciation to all those involved, reiterating that the government's coordinated efforts were driven by royal directives promoting dignity and efficiency. HRH commended the ministries and community partners, including the Jaffari Endowments Council and ma'atam leadership, for working in close coordination to create a respectful and secure environment for mourners. Youth at the forefront Volunteer field teams, particularly youth-led groups, were singled out for their dedication in managing logistics and supporting public order. HRH Prince Salman credited their efforts with helping maintain the smooth flow of events, ensuring that the spiritual atmosphere of Ashura remained undisturbed. HRH closed by calling the Ashura operation a living embodiment of Bahrain's national values, where tradition is protected through unity, trust, and responsible service.
Daily Tribune
17 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Trump meeting could ‘advance' Gaza deal
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said yesterday that he hoped an upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump could 'help advance' a Gaza ceasefire deal, after sending negotiators to Doha for indirect talks with Hamas. Under mounting pressure to end the war, now approaching its 22nd month, the Israeli premier is scheduled to sit down today with Trump, who has recently made a renewed push to end the fighting. Speaking before boarding Israel's state jet bound for Washington, Netanyahu said: 'We are working to achieve this deal that we have discussed, under the conditions that we have agreed to.' He added he had dispatched the team to Doha 'with clear instructions', and thought the meeting with Trump 'can definitely help advance this (deal), which we are all hoping for'. Netanyahu had previously said Hamas's response to a draft US-backed ceasefire proposal contained 'unacceptable' demands. A Palestinian official familiar with the talks and close to Hamas said international mediators had informed the group that 'a new round of indirect negotiations... will begin in Doha today'. The talks would focus on conditions for a possible ceasefire, including hostage and prisoner releases, and Hamas would also seek the reopening of Gaza's Rafah crossing to evacuate the wounded, the official told AFP. Hamas's delegation, led by its top negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, was in Doha, the official told AFP. Israel's public broadcaster said the country's delegation had left for the Qatari capital in the early afternoon.
