Iran's leader emerges from shelter for first time since end of war with Israel
Photo: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has made his first public appearance two weeks after the signing of the ceasefire agreement with Israel, according to The Times of Israel and Reuters.
Khamenei appeared in public for the first time since the 12-day war with Israel in June.
In a video released by state media, dozens of people attending a ceremony marking Ashura, the holiest day in the Shia Muslim calendar, are seen standing and chanting as Khamenei entered the hall where official government events are held.
عه، خامنه ای زندس ولی قیافه مرده داره... معلومه در تونل موشها حسابشو رسیدن pic.twitter.com/rllANm0SKF
— BenSabti (@BeniSabti) July 5, 2025
Iran–Israel war
Since June 13, when Israel launched strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, 86-year-old Ayatollah Khamenei had been hiding in a bunker and remained there even after the war ended due to fears of assassination.
The leader issued pre-recorded statements and avoided public appearances. In total, Khamenei stayed in shelter for 25 days.
On June 26, in a recorded address broadcast on state television, Khamenei vowed that Iran would not surrender and declared that "the Zionist regime was practically knocked out."
On June 22, the United States joined Israel’s campaign and launched a massive strike on several Iranian nuclear sites.
Iran responded with a symbolic missile attack on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which serves as the headquarters of US Central Command.
On June 23, US President Donald Trump announced that both sides had signed a ceasefire agreement.
