Why did Khamenei come out of hiding? Multiple theories do the rounds about Supreme Leader's resurgence
This handout picture released by the office of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on July 5, 2025 shows him attending a mourning ceremony in Tehran marking the ninth day of the Islamic month of Muharram in the lead-up to Ashura, a 10-day period commemorating the seventh century killing of Prophet Mohammed's grandson Imam Hussein. (Photo by LEADER OFFICE / AFP) / === RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / HO / KHAMENEI.IR" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS ===
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei came out of hiding on Saturday to attend a mourning ceremony on the eve of Ashoura. This was his first public appearance since the 12-day war between Israel and Iran began.
Though there was no report on him making any public statement, the state TV showed in waving and nodding to the chanting crowd, which rose to its feet as he entered.
His resurgence has had tongues wagging, with many speculating that the move indicates his growing confidence in his personal security or reflects a political necessity to assert his authority. The Supreme Leader's appearance could also be a message of defiance and a return to normalcy, according to The New York Times.
Khamenei has attended the ceremonies on the nights of the 7th to 11th of Muharram every year, considering it is the most sacred festival of Shi'ite Islam.
"Khamenei’s appearance at the Ashura religious ceremony tonight after weeks of absence from the public eye will undoubtedly energize his base," said Omid Memarian, an Iran expert at DAWN, a Washington-based organisation focused on U.S. foreign policy. "It will also allow the regime to push its narrative that neither Washington nor Tel Aviv has been able to dismantle the Islamic Republic’s rule," Memarian added.
His reappearance invigorated the crowd, which displayed a renewed sense of defiance here. "The lesson to be learned from Hussein is not to give in to oppression even if it is the most powerful force in the world," Sky News quoted an Iranian who took part in the march.
Middle East