Khamenei Appears in Public for the First Time Since Ceasefire

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International Desk: For the first time since the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali  Khamenei appeared in public. On Saturday (July 5), local time, he was seen attending a religious ceremony in Tehran marking Ashura.

The 85-year-old leader’s appearance has already sparked considerable international discussion. In footage aired by state television, Khamenei was seen at the Imam Khomeini Mosque in Tehran, where the crowd stood in respect upon seeing him. He responded by waving and nodding to acknowledge their greetings.

It’s notable that since the conflict began on June 13, Khamenei had not made any public appearances—all of his messages were pre-recorded.

On June 22, the United States launched airstrikes on three of Iran’s key nuclear facilities. At the time, U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on social media, “We know where Khamenei is, but we have no plans to kill him—at this moment.”

In a pre-recorded message aired on June 26, Khamenei declared, “We did not surrender. In fact, we slapped America in the face by striking their base in Qatar.”

Trump later responded to reporters, saying, “You are a religious man, a respected leader of your people. Tell the truth—you have been badly defeated.”

Iran has claimed that over 900 of its citizens were killed and thousands injured in the war. In retaliation, Iranian missile strikes killed at least 28 people in Israel.

A ceasefire between the two nations took effect on June 24.

Following the conflict, Iran officially acknowledged "serious damage" to its nuclear facilities but has refused to grant access to the United Nations nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

During the war, IAEA inspectors were stationed in Tehran. However, on Wednesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a law suspending cooperation with the agency, prompting the inspectors to leave the country.

IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi stated on Friday that resuming dialogue with Iran is “critically important.”

Amid these developments, speculation has reignited regarding potential renewed nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington. On Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified that Iran remains a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and has no plans to withdraw from the agreement.