Fact Check: Iran's Supreme Leader has not been seen in public since the Israeli attacks.

Fact Check: "Iran's Supreme Leader has not been seen in public since the Israeli attacks."

What We Know

The claim that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has not been seen in public since the Israeli attacks is misleading. Khamenei made his first public comments since the outbreak of hostilities on June 13, 2025, during a recorded video message that aired on June 26, 2025. In this message, he addressed the Iranian people, discussing Iran's military actions and the situation regarding U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities (AP News, New York Times). Although he had not appeared in person since the conflict began, he had issued two video statements during the war, indicating that he was still communicating with the public, albeit from a secure location (New York Times).

Analysis

The assertion that Khamenei has not been seen in public is partially true, as he has not made any in-person appearances since the conflict escalated. However, the key aspect of the claim is the implication that he has been completely absent from public discourse. Khamenei's video message, which was broadcast on state television, contradicts this implication. In his address, he declared a "victory" over the U.S. and Israel and warned against further attacks, showcasing that he remains an active figure in Iranian politics (BBC, PBS).

The sources reporting on Khamenei's statements are credible, including major news outlets like the Associated Press, New York Times, and BBC, which have a history of reliable reporting. However, the context of Khamenei's absence from public view—sheltering in a bunker due to security concerns—adds complexity to the narrative. While he has not been physically present, his communication through video messages indicates that he is still engaged in leadership activities (Washington Post).

Conclusion

Verdict: False
The claim that Iran's Supreme Leader has not been seen in public since the Israeli attacks is misleading. While he has not made in-person appearances, he has communicated with the public through video messages, indicating that he remains an active leader despite security concerns. The nuance in his absence and the nature of his communications are critical to understanding the situation.

Fact Check: Iran's Supreme Leader has not been seen in public since the Israeli attacks.