Iran’s Khamenei Emerges In Public First Time After Conflict Amid New US Sanctions 

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appeared in public over the weekend for the first time since the June war with Israel erupted, speaking to Iranians amid mounting domestic and international pressure over his leadership and new US sanctions, CNN reported. 

State-run media aired footage of Khamenei addressing worshippers marking the eve of Ashura, ending weeks of speculation about his whereabouts during the 12-day conflict that saw Israel and the US launch coordinated strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites.  

Khamenei reportedly spent the conflict in a secure bunker, with Israeli and US officials openly discussing plans to remove him.  

During last month’s conflict, Trump – who ordered strikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities – described Khamenei as an “easy target,” adding, “We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now,” the Hill added. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his elimination would end the war rather than escalate it. 

Following the June 24 ceasefire, Iran’s supreme leader rejected calls for the country’s surrender and accused Washington of using nuclear concerns as a pretext to undermine Iran.  

Analysts said the strikes – which killed high-ranking Iranian military leaders – bruised Khamenei’s reputation in Iran. 

Khamenei’s reappearance came a day after Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that the US would not allow Iran to restart its nuclear program. The president said he would discuss the matter with Netanyahu in Washington on Monday.  

Meanwhile, talks between US and Iranian officials are expected to take place this week in Norway, with discussions likely to include sanctions relief. 

However, Washington announced new sanctions targeting a smuggling network led by Iraqi businessman Salim Ahmed Said, accused of disguising Iranian oil as Iraqi to evade sanctions, the Times of Israel noted.  

The network allegedly blended billions of dollars’ worth of Iranian oil with Iraqi exports and sold them through intermediaries in Iraq and the United Arab Emirates. Washington also blacklisted ship owners VS Tankers and several affiliated vessels said to be involved in covert deliveries to Western markets.