After missing a key military event, Iran’s Supreme Leader resurfaced with a pointed message to the nation. Khamenei urged unity and resilience, telling citizens to “disappoint the enemy” as regional tensions simmered. His remarks came just as indirect nuclear talks with Washington restarted in Oman and speculation about possible strikes swirled. The timing drew attention across capitals, with diplomacy and deterrence unfolding in parallel. Was this a signal to the streets, to negotiators, or to rivals abroad? As rallies approached and talks inched forward, Iran appeared to be playing a careful double track.