Iran’s state media released videos showing senior leaders walking through the streets of Tehran and participating in Al Quds Day demonstrations. The footage appeared shortly after United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth claimed during a press briefing that Iran’s leadership had gone underground.
Hegseth stated that Iranian leaders were hiding and unable to appear in public due to pressure from ongoing attacks. He also claimed that the new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had suffered injuries during recent strikes and remained out of sight.
Within hours of the remarks, Iranian media broadcast high definition video showing several top officials present among crowds during the Al Quds Day rally in the capital. The timing of the release appeared aimed at countering claims that the country’s leadership had withdrawn from public life.
President Masoud Pezeshkian appeared in the footage greeting participants and interacting with supporters during the demonstration. He walked through rain-soaked streets while crowds gathered to mark the annual event in support of Palestine.
Gholam Hossein MohseniEjei, the country’s judiciary chief, also appeared at the rally. Video showed him addressing journalists near the protest area. Reports indicated that a missile struck a nearby building during the gathering. He remained at the location despite the incident and continued speaking to media.
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