Tehran – Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, made his first public appearance since the recent 12-day conflict with Israel, state media reported on Saturday.

Khamenei, 86, was seen attending a religious ceremony at Imam Khomeini Mosque in central Tehran. In a video aired by state television, he was dressed in black and greeted by a cheering crowd marking the anniversary of Imam Hussein’s martyrdom, a major observance for Shia Muslims.
This is the leader’s first appearance in public since Israel launched surprise airstrikes on June 13. Khamenei had delivered a pre-recorded message last week, but had not been seen live since June 11, when he met with Iranian lawmakers.

Crowds at the mosque were seen chanting slogans in support of Khamenei, underscoring his influence during a tense period for the country.