Rare 1987 Footage Appears to Show Khamenei Addressing UN in New Light on Tehran–Washington Relations

According to Saed News, Iran has broadcast an archival film claimed to depict Ali Khamenei during an official 1987 trip to the United States, potentially in the context of addressing the UN General Assembly. The clip, aired on Thursday, shows Khamenei speaking before a podium and flanked by diplomatic aides. The footage is being portrayed domestically as evidence of a more engaged period in Iran–U.S. relations, despite decades of estrangement.

Independent verification remains elusive. U.S. government archives and UN records do confirm that in September 1987, Khamenei participated in the UN General Assembly and delivered a fiery speech denouncing a U.S. military action—the mining of the Persian Gulf, which led to a U.S. announcement of walking out on his address . According to reports at the time, Khamenei labeled the Iranian vessel Iran‑Ajr a civilian ship, despite U.S. claims to the contrary.

Iranian state media has juxtaposed this film with images of Khamenei inspecting Iranian naval drills in the Gulf, suggesting a narrative of national dignity under pressure . Analysts view the release as a politically timed move, noting fractures at home and enduring tensions with the West.

A senior Tehran historian, speaking on condition of anonymity, told CNN: “If authentic, this clip underscores a complex mid-1980s where Iran briefly navigated international forums while its war against Iraq raged.” The video’s authenticity and context, however, remain to be independently assessed. Western media have not reported similar archival findings, but the footage has already sparked debate over Iran’s historical diplomacy—underscoring how newly revealed archives can reshape narratives, even decades later.