Ayatollah Ali Khamenei  http://english.khamenei.ir/photo/5807/Ayatollah-Khamenei-met-with-Hajj-organizers
Conflicts

Iran’s Supreme Leader Makes First Public Appearance Since War

Israel and Trump had publicly discussed plans to target Khamenei during conflict

Brian Wellbrock

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made his first public appearance in over three weeks on Saturday, following last month’s Israeli attacks on Iran and the 12-day war that ensued.

Khamenei attended a Muharram mourning ceremony at his official residence, the Beit Rahbari, in Tehran. It marked his first in-person appearance since June 11, when he met with members of Iran’s parliament (the Majlis), less than 48 hours before Israel launched a surprise strike in the early morning hours of June 13.

Following the initial attacks, Khamenei reportedly evacuated to a secure underground bunker and delivered a televised address later that day, vowing retaliation for the Israeli strikes. He made two additional televised appearances on June 18 and June 26, addressing the Iranian public after the ceasefire was reached.

During the conflict, Israeli officials confirmed that assassinating Khamenei was among their objectives. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated last week, “If he had been in our sights, we would have taken him out,” and claimed that Israeli forces were actively trying to locate the Supreme Leader during the war.

U.S. President Donald Trump also made public remarks indicating knowledge of Khamenei’s whereabouts. On June 17, in the midst of the conflict, Trump posted on Truth Social:

“We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there — We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.”

In a follow-up post last week, Trump added:

“I knew exactly where he was sheltered, and would not let Israel, or the U.S. Armed Forces... terminate his life. I saved him from a very ugly and ignominious death.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington on Monday, marking his third visit since February. Netanyahu is expected to meet with President Trump at the White House, where both leaders will reportedly discuss Iran’s nuclear program and regional security.

The Iranian leadership has remained largely silent regarding Trump’s statements, but Khamenei’s public reappearance is seen by observers as a demonstration of resilience amid continued threats and pressure from both Israel and the United States.

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