Iran's top leader emerges in public following commencement of conflict with Israel
In a defiant and victorious public appearance, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, marked his first public outing since the start of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, which has been raging for 12 days. The event, held on the eve of Ashoura at a mosque in Tehran located next to his office and residence, was in honour of the 7th century martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Hussein.
During his speech, Khamenei congratulated the Iranian nation on what he called a victory over the "fallacious Zionist regime," asserting that Israel's government was "practically knocked out and crushed under the blows of the Islamic Republic." He described the recent conflict as a "big slap in the face" to the U.S.
However, recent reports suggest that Israeli and U.S. strikes during the conflict resulted in significant damage to Iran's military infrastructure and nuclear capabilities. The strikes reportedly "obliterated" Iran's nuclear program, killing at least 30 Iranian military commanders. Despite Khamenei's claims of success in targeting Israel, Iran has confirmed serious damage to its nuclear facilities.
In addition, Iran has acknowledged thousands of injuries and the deaths of over 900 people during the war. Despite these losses, Khamenei maintained a defiant posture, emphasizing Iran's military actions and downplaying the damage sustained.
As Khamenei waved and nodded to the chanting crowd during the event, no public statement was made by him, as reported earlier. The gathering was broadcast on state television in Iran. It is unclear what security measures, if any, were in place during the public appearance.
It is worth noting that Khamenei holds the final say on all state matters in Iran. Despite the ongoing conflict, Iran has denied access to the damaged nuclear sites for inspectors with the UN nuclear watchdog.
[1] Source: Various news reports.
- Politics and general news outlets are reporting increased tension in war-and-conflicts between Iran and Israel following Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's defiant speech, pronouncing a victory over Israel's government, despite recent reports of significant damage to Iran's military infrastructure and nuclear capabilities.
- In the midst of this ongoing war-and-conflict, Iran's Supreme Leader, Khamenei, continues to hold the final say on state matters, despite international calls for inspections of the damaged nuclear sites by the UN nuclear watchdog.
