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Khamenei Reappears at Ashura Ceremony as Iran Grapples With Nuclear Devastation

His attendance signals a bid to project continuity by the regime after devastating strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

FILE - In this photo released by the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei waves to the crowd during a meeting with officials, Islamic countries' ambassador to Iran and a group of people in Tehran, Iran, March 31, 2025.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks in a televised message, after the ceasefire between Iran and Israel, in Tehran, Iran, June 26, 2025. Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo
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Overview

  • Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appeared at Tehran’s Ashura mourning event on July 5, marking his first public sighting since June 11.
  • His absence coincided with Israeli airstrikes on nuclear and military sites on June 13 that prompted over 550 Iranian missile retaliations and subsequent U.S. bombings of key atomic installations.
  • Tehran has halted cooperation with United Nations nuclear inspectors after claims that its atomic program was “obliterated” by allied strikes.
  • Security analysts believe Khamenei sheltered in a secret underground bunker as Israel threatened to target him directly.
  • Intense jockeying among IRGC and clerical factions for post-Khamenei succession authority underscores growing domestic volatility.