Tehran, July 6 (HS): Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made a public appearance for the first time after the 12-day conflict with Israel, attending the Muharram mourning procession on July 5, the eve of Ashura.

Khamenei had not been seen since the Israeli attacks began on June 13 and appeared in an undisclosed location under tight security due to significant safety concerns, as many senior Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists were killed during the conflict. Speculation arose regarding Khamenei's location, with some suggesting he might have been in a bunker while he released video messages.

The conflict, which saw Israel conducting sustained attacks against Iran, escalated after U.S. involvement on June 22, targeting key nuclear sites in Iran. In response, Iran launched over 550 ballistic missiles at Israel during this period of heightened tension.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar