Iran’s supreme leader makes first public appearance since war with Israel began
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, thought to have been under heavy security during the conflict, attended a mourning ceremony on the eve of Ashoura
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday made his first public appearance since the 12-day war between Israel and Iran began, attending a mourning ceremony on the eve of Ashoura.
The absence of Khamenei during the war had suggested heavy security for the Iranian leader, who has final say on all state matters. State television in Iran showed Khamenei waving and nodding to the chanting crowd as he entered and sat.
There was no immediate report on any public statement made.
Iran has acknowledged the deaths of more than 900 people in the war, as well as thousands injured.
It also has confirmed serious damage to its nuclear facilities and has denied access to the sites for inspectors with the UN nuclear watchdog.
03:29
Netanyahu suggests killing Iran’s supreme leader would end conflict
Khamenei hosted a remembrance of the 7th century martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Hussein, at a mosque next to his office and residence in the capital, Tehran.