Khamenei, Iran's leader, steps out in public for the first time following the Israel conflict, according to state reports
In a significant turn of events, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, reemerged in public view on July 6, 2025, following a 25-day absence that sparked widespread concerns and speculation about his health, safety, and whereabouts [1]. This long-awaited reappearance came during the Shiite holy day of Ashura, a significant event for Shia Muslims [2].
Khamenei's initial public appearance since the Israeli airstrikes on June 13 was marked by a defiant message from a bunker on July 5, where he declared a "victory" over Israel and the US, dismissed the damage from the airstrikes on Iran's nuclear sites, and warned of harsh retaliation for any future aggression [2]. This message was aimed at projecting strength and resilience amid increasing military pressure.
The following day, Khamenei appeared in person at a religious gathering in Tehran, signalling a push to bolster nationalist sentiment in the wake of the conflict and sanctions. During the event, he requested the recitation of a song with strong nationalist themes, further emphasising his commitment to Iran's sovereignty [3][4].
The video of his first public appearance was filmed at central Tehran's Imam Khomeini Mosque, a significant location in the city named for the founder of the Islamic republic [5]. The crowd before him, fists in the air, chanted "The blood in our veins for our leader!" [6].
The bombing campaign by Israel was a part of a decades-long shadow war with Iran, aimed at preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon [7]. The aftermath of the bombing campaign and Khamenei's absence have been significant international events. Retaliatory Iranian missile barrages resulted in at least 28 deaths in Israeli cities, according to official figures [8].
Despite the intense regional conflict, Khamenei's current health appears stable enough for public appearances, though his previous absence fueled rumors. His recent appearances emphasise a firm stance against Israel and the US, and a commitment to Iran's nuclear ambitions, which some analysts expect might accelerate [3][4].
As Khamenei continues to engage in public events, the world watches closely for clues about Iran's future policies and the trajectory of the ongoing regional tensions.
References: [1] BBC News, "Iran's Khamenei reappears after 25 days out of public view", July 6, 2025. [2] Reuters, "Iran's Khamenei vows 'victory' over Israel, US in pre-recorded video", July 5, 2025. [3] Al Jazeera, "Iran's Khamenei makes first public appearance since Israeli strikes", July 6, 2025. [4] Associated Press, "Iran's Khamenei returns to public view after 25 days", July 6, 2025. [5] The Guardian, "Iran's Khamenei appears in public for first time since Israeli strikes", July 6, 2025. [6] The New York Times, "Iran's Khamenei Makes First Public Appearance Since Israeli Strikes", July 6, 2025. [7] CNN, "Israel's bombing campaign against Iran: A timeline", June 13, 2025. [8] Haaretz, "Iran's missile attacks kill at least 28 in Israeli cities, officials say", July 7, 2025.
Khamenei's defiant message during war-and-conflicts with Israel and the US, delivered from a bunker on July 5, marked a continued involvement in politics and a commitment to Iran's nuclear ambitions [2]. Amid the increasing international attention, Khamenei's reemergence in public view on political general-news platforms has become a significant factor in understanding Iran's future policies and the trajectory of ongoing regional tensions.
