Iran’s Supreme Leader Skips Air Force Commanders’ Annual Meeting, Breaking 37-Year Precedent

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has broken a 37-year tradition by not attending the annual meeting with the country’s Air Force commanders. The meeting was held on Sunday.

Instead of Khamenei, Iran’s Chief of the Armed Forces, Major General Seyyed Abdolrahim Mousavi, met with the Air Force commanders.

According to reports, the annual meeting is held to commemorate the anniversary of February 8, 1979, when a group of Iranian Air Force officers pledged allegiance to Ruhollah Khomeini. Khomeini was the leader of the Islamic Revolution and the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Every year on this date, members and commanders of the Iranian Air Force traditionally meet with the country’s Supreme Leader. Since becoming Supreme Leader in 1989, Ayatollah Khamenei had attended the event every year, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Khamenei’s absence from this year’s event has sparked widespread speculation. Questions are being raised over whether concerns about a potential U.S. attack may have prompted him to skip the meeting.

Tensions between Iran and the United States are currently at a critical level. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened strong military action against Iran. Additionally, Israel has indicated the possibility of launching attacks on Iran, with Trump reportedly hinting at efforts to bring about a change in the Iranian government.