Iran\u2019s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has made his first public appearance since the start of Iran\u2019s conflict with Israel, according to state media.<\/p>\n
State television footage showed him greeting worshippers at a mosque on Saturday during a ceremony a day before the Shia festival of Ashura.<\/p>\n
Khamenei\u2019s last non-public appearance was in a recorded address after the ceasefire that ended the 12-day war, which began on 13 June and during which top Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists were killed.<\/p>\n
Israel launched a surprise attack on nuclear and military sites in Iran, after which Iran retaliated with aerial attacks targeting Israel.<\/p>\n
During the 12-day war with Israel, Khamenei appeared on TV in three video messages and there was speculation that he was hiding in a bunker.<\/p>\n
On 27 June, the day after agreeing to a ceasefire with Israel, he delivered a video address in which he claimed \u201cvictory\u201d and said the US had \u201cgained no achievements\u201d from strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.<\/p>\n
US President Donald Trump accused Khamenei of lying, saying Iran\u2019s nuclear sites were \u201cobliterated\u201d and that he had saved the supreme leader from \u201ca very ugly and ignominious death\u201d.<\/p>\n
On Saturday Iranian media coverage was dominated by Khamenei\u2019s appearance, with footage of supporters expressing joy at seeing him on television.<\/p>\n
Khamenei is seen turning to senior cleric Mahmoud Karimi, encouraging him to \u201csing the anthem, O Iran\u201d. The patriotic song became particularly popular during the recent conflict with Israel.<\/p>\n
State TV said the clip was filmed at Tehran\u2019s Imam Khomeini Mosque, named after the founder of the Islamic republic.<\/p>\n
Iranian TV has invited people to send in videos sharing their reactions to Khamenei\u2019s return to the public eye.<\/p>\n
His appearance comes as the predominantly Shia Muslim country observes a period of mourning during the month of Muharram, traditionally attended by the supreme leader.<\/p>\n
Ashura is held on the 10th day of Muharram \u2013 this year falling on 6 July \u2013 during which Shia Muslims commemorate the death of Prophet Muhammad\u2019s grandson, Hossein.<\/p>\n