• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

As tensions escalate between Iran and Israel, an unexpected wave of decade-old tweets by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has gone viral on social media, drawing a sharp contrast between his past musings and his current war-driven rhetoric. The tweets, some of which go back as far as 2013, bear unusually personal, witty, and even liberal remarks, a tone unthinkable for one of the Middle East's most influential religious-political leaders.

One of the revived tweets that have attracted the most traction states, “I went 2school w/a cloak since 1st days; it was uncomfortable 2wear it in front f other kids, but I tried 2make up 4it by being naughty&playful.” This 2013 post opened the floodgates of tongue-in-cheek responses. "U have nothing 2 B ashamed of. You're just as naughty and playful as ever," commented one user. "Naughty. Israel has to punish you," posted another. "Hey bro, you're 90, what are you doing?" a third quipped, teasing the disparity between his tone and age.

Khamenei's Affection for Books and Nehru's India

In another one of his widely shared posts, Khamenei wrote about his fondness for books, "I'm not interested in cinema and visual arts but when it comes to novel and poetry, I'm not a usual audience. #Books #AvidReader" Social media users took the opportunity to spoof him. "Yass queen," wrote one user. "BookTok Khamenei," another joked, likening him to a TikTok book influencer. "Someone locate his Goodreads account," another one joked. In a surprising revelation, Khamenei even welcomed India's pre-colonial history. "Prior to reading 'Glimpses of World History' by Mr. #Nehru I had no idea #India prior to colonization had made so many significant #advances," he stated. The post triggered praise and memes in equal measure, with some referring to him as "surprisingly well-read."

ALSO READ: Is America Backing Down Or Planning Something Big? Us Pulls Warplanes Out Of Qatar Base Amid Iran-Israel Conflict | Report

Liberal Remarks on Women's Rights Resurface

The most surprising viral post broached the issue of gender sensitivity and emotional understanding. "Man has a duty to acknowledge #woman's emotions and needs and can't be careless toward her #emotional status." In light of Iran’s highly conservative stance on women’s rights, this post triggered a wave of satire. "Ayatollah Khamenei is the first man to get uncancelled after ancient tweets surfaced," joked one X user on this. "Born to be a lover, forced to be the supreme leader," another wrote.

ALSO READ: Viral Video Resurfaces Again: Bird Tears Down Israeli Flag, Sparks Buzz In Social Media Amid Israel-Iran War | Prophetic Sign Or Coincidence?

These decade-old posts started trending worldwide around the same time when Khamenei made robust declarations against Israel and the United States. "The Iranian nation is not one to surrender," he threatened in a recent address. He further announced that US intervention in the war would lead to "irreparable damage." Israel's leadership responded with a retort, as officials labeled Khamenei "the modern Hitler" and declared he "should no longer continue to exist." In the meantime, reactions online have kept coming, drawing Khamenei in an outlandish new light, "Didn't know the Supreme Leader of Iran is so chill," one wrote. You have a gym in the bunker?" someone mocked as a retort to a 2013 tweet stating his father banned him from attending the gym. The Supreme Leader's outdated tweets have not only amused millions but also redefined the way many view one of the most stern and secretive figures on the world stage.