Khamenei Skips Annual Air Force Meeting for First Time in 37 Years Amid US Tensions

According to Iran International, Hassan Khomeini, grandson of the Supreme Leader, meets with Iranian Air Force officers. This follows Khamenei's absence from the traditional meeting.

For the first time in 37 years, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei does not attend the annual February 8 meeting with air force commanders. Instead, Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, presides over the meeting with air force and air defense commanders on Sunday.

Iran and the United States hold nuclear talks in Oman. Iranian diplomats describe the talks as a 'good start' despite sharp differences over Tehran's missile programme and regional policies.

Tensions between Tehran and Washington escalate, with thousands of Iranian citizens protesting since late December 2025 calling for regime change and protesting the economic state of the Islamic Republic. The US expands its military presence in the region, with deployments of aircraft carriers and fighter jets. US President Donald Trump warns Khamenei of possible US intervention if violence against protesters does not stop.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Khamenei continues to attend the annual February 8 air force meeting, demonstrating the importance of the tradition.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei becomes Supreme Leader of Iran and begins attending the annual February 8 air force meeting, a tradition he maintained consistently for 37 years.

A group of air force officers pledged their allegiance to Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic, establishing the tradition that would later become an annual ceremonial meeting between Iran's Supreme Leader and air force commanders.