Home » Which 37-Year-Old Tradition Did Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei Break Amid Trump’s Threat?

Which 37-Year-Old Tradition Did Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei Break Amid Trump’s Threat?

written by Swastika Sruti Source

International

oi-Swastika Sruti

Time

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly skipped a key annual meeting with air force commanders for the first time in nearly four decades, sparking speculation amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States.

Which 37-Year-Old Tradition Did Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei Break Amid Trump’s Threat?
khameni

For the first time in almost four decades, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei did not attend the annual meeting with air force commanders on February 8, 2024, amid rising tensions with the United States, sparking speculation about security or strategic concerns.

The development comes at a time when Washington has been increasing its military presence in the Gulf region, raising concerns about a possible escalation.

Khamenei has attended the February 8 meeting every year since becoming Supreme Leader in 1989, making his absence this year particularly notable.

Break from a decades-old tradition

The annual meeting marks an important date in Iran's history. February 8 commemorates the moment in 1979 when a group of air force officers pledged allegiance to Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, during the revolution that led to the fall of the Pahlavi dynasty.

Since then, the day has been observed as a symbolic event, with air force commanders meeting the country's clerical leadership every year. Over the past four decades, Khamenei consistently attended the gathering - even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, this year he was absent from the ceremony. Instead, Iran's armed forces chief of staff Abdolrahim Mousavi met with the air force commanders on Sunday.

The unusual development has led to speculation that the Supreme Leader may be avoiding public exposure due to security concerns or focusing on urgent national matters.

Tensions rise between Iran and the US

Khamenei's absence comes at a time of heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington. The United States has been increasing its military presence in the region, including deploying additional naval and air force assets to the Gulf and nearby areas.

Iran has repeatedly warned that any military action by the US could trigger a wider conflict across the Middle East. Officials in Tehran have said that if a war were to begin, it would not remain limited and could spread across the region.

Even after previous ceasefire efforts in regional conflicts, both countries remain divided over negotiations. Washington has pushed for broader talks that include Iran's missile programme, while Tehran has insisted that discussions should focus only on its nuclear activities. The differences have led to continued tensions and mutual warnings.

Uncertainty over the next steps

While no official reason has been given for Khamenei skipping the annual event, the timing has raised questions among observers. Some believe the decision may be linked to growing security concerns or ongoing strategic planning within Iran's leadership.

The situation in the Middle East remains tense as military movements continue and diplomatic disagreements persist. Khamenei's rare absence from such a symbolic event has only added to the sense of uncertainty surrounding the region and its future course.

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written by Swastika Sruti Source

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