WANA  (Jul 06) – On the eve of Ashura, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made his first public appearance since the 12-day Iran-Israel war and the subsequent ceasefire.

 

While he had issued statements and video messages three times since the conflict began on June 13, he had not made a public appearance, making his presence deeply symbolic: arriving on Ashura’s sacred night, his message intertwines religious significance with political defiance.

 

What Messages Did the Iranian Leader’s Appearance Send to the World?

 

Tactical Message to the Enemy: We do not retreat. Even with the assassination of commanders, Iran’s decision-making will remains intact. The enemy’s operations are futile and psychologically ineffective.

 

Strategic Dimension: Internal unity, strengthening of national solidarity, and showcasing readiness to resist external threats.

 

Expression of Foreign Policy: A stable political structure, reassurance to regional allies, and signaling diplomatic bargaining power.

Iran’s Leader Makes First Public Appearance Since Iran-Israel War. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Internal Psychological Aspect: The commander stands alongside the people — fostering mental security, collective calm, reduced national anxiety, emotional release, and a sense of belonging.

 

International Image: Breaking the narrative of Iran’s vulnerability, demonstrating structural stability amid crisis, and reinforcing Iran’s position in global negotiations.

 

Counterattack on Enemy Psychological Warfare: Breaking the narrative of concealment, undermining the credibility of enemy intelligence and media networks, and neutralizing cognitive and hybrid warfare operations.

 

About Ashura

Ashura, the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram, holds profound significance for Shia Muslims. It marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.

 

For Iranians and many across the Shia world, Ashura is not only a day of mourning but also a symbol of resistance against tyranny and injustice.

 

The occasion carries deep emotional and spiritual weight, making the Supreme Leader’s appearance on this night particularly meaningful in both religious and political terms.

Iran’s Leader Makes First Public Appearance Since Iran-Israel War. Social media/ WANA News Agency