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       DUBAI: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attended a religious event on Saturday, according to a video carried by state television, after reports that he was in a “secure location” since the start of a 12-day air war with Israel last month.

       The video carried by state media showed dozens attending a ceremony to mark Ashura, standing chanting as Khamenei entered a hall where many government functions are held.

       For apparent security reasons, Khamenei had issued pre-taped messages during the war, which started on June 13, and avoided public appearances.

       On June 26, in pre-recorded remarks aired on state television, Ayatollah Khamenei promised that Iran would not surrender despite US President Donald Trump’s calls.

       Published in Dawn, July 6th, 2025