SAEDNEWS: The Supreme Leader did not attend last night’s first‑decade Muharram commemoration at the Imam Khomeini Hosseinieh—an omission reflecting his steadfast commitment to the expert guidance of his protection team and medical advisors.
According to Saed News, last night’s Muharram mourning ceremony at the Imam Khomeini Hosseinieh in the Leader’s Residence was marked by the attendance of senior political and military figures—but notably, the Supreme Leader himself was absent. Commenting on this rare occurrence, Kamil Bagherzadeh explained that the Leader’s devotion to long‑standing personal protocols always places security and health counsel above personal preference.
Bagherzadeh recalled that, shortly before the passing of the late Ayatollah Hashemi Shahroudi, the Supreme Leader visited him in hospital and made clear: “I always heed two voices without question—those of my protection officers and my physicians. If my guards advise against attending a place, or my doctors prescribe rest, I follow their counsel.” He then urged the ailing cleric to trust his own medical team, though Shahroudi ultimately declined timely surgery and succumbed to his illness.
This incident, Bagherzadeh noted, explains why the Leader did not appear at yesterday’s gathering. Far from an extraordinary breach of tradition, it is a reflection of the Supreme Leader’s consistent practice of subordinating personal wishes to expert advice—a practice he has maintained throughout his public life.
Last night’s commemoration nevertheless drew large crowds, from children and family members of martyrs to former Revolutionary Guard commanders and cabinet ministers. Photographs circulated on social media showed packed pews, dignitaries lined along the aisles, and solemn processions honoring the sacrifices of the Ahl al‑Bayt.
While state media highlighted the ceremony’s spiritual atmosphere and the participation of high‑ranking officials, the Leader’s absence spurred discreet inquiries among attendees. Many expressed admiration for his humility and discipline, viewing his decision as emblematic of leadership that values collective safety over personal visibility.
Analysts say this unwavering deference to security and medical expertise reinforces the Supreme Leader’s image as a cautious yet resolute figure—one who, even in times of religious mourning, places the welfare of the nation and the integrity of his office above all else.
