Tehran: Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made his first public appearance on Saturday since the conclusion of a conflict with Israel, participating in Ashura ceremonies in Tehran. Khamenei, who was notably absent from the initial Muharram ceremonies at his residence on Palestine Street, appeared for the Ashura events which commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain.

According to Anadolu Agency, Khamenei's absence during the first three nights of Muharram was a significant deviation from tradition. Footage shared on X by the official account of the supreme leader showed attendees at Imam Khomeini's Hosseinieh mansion warmly welcoming Khamenei as he entered the hall.

The recent 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel saw US President Donald Trump and Tel Aviv threatening Khamenei's assassination. Khamenei was active during the conflict, delivering speeches amid the assaults on Iran. After a ceasefire was reached, Iran accused the US of participating in the attacks to support Tel Aviv, prompting Iran to respond with counterstrikes.

The hostilities began on June 13, when Israel launched airstrikes targeting Iranian military, nuclear, and civilian sites, resulting in at least 935 fatalities. The Iranian Health Ministry reported that 5,332 individuals were injured. In retaliation, Tehran launched missile and drone strikes, leading to the deaths of at least 29 people and injuring more than 3,400, as per figures from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

The conflict escalated further when the US bombed Iran's Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities. The hostilities were ultimately halted with a US-sponsored ceasefire that took effect on June 24.