Amid escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has found himself at the center of an unexpected social media storm; not over military strategy, but due to a series of bizarre, decade-old tweets that have resurfaced and gone viral for their oddly personal and out-of-character tone.

Originally posted between 2013 and 2015, the tweets range from nostalgic reflections on childhood to surprisingly tender takes on gender dynamics, complete with hashtags. The contrast between the intimate tone of the posts and Khamenei’s current hardline war rhetoric has ignited a wave of ridicule and satire online.

"I went 2school w/a cloak since1st days; it was uncomfortable 2wear it in front f other kids, but I tried 2make up 4it by being naughty&playful." One user responded, “U have nothing 2 B ashamed of. You’re just as naughty and playful as ever.” Another quipped, “Naughty. Israel has to punish you.”

Another post by Khamenei read, "When I was young student of Islamic school, my father wasn't eager to let me go to gym ..." Reactions: “You have a gym in the bunker?" Replies were merciless: “Is that why you're so weak as a leader?”

Some tweets struck a surprisingly progressive tone: “Man has a responsibility to understand #woman’s needs and feelings and must not be neglectful toward her #emotional state." That led to responses like: “The Supreme Leader is #woke,” and “But I guess it’s ok to beat and kill women like Mahsa Amini?”

Many other tweets were also viral that gained him nicknames like “Supreme Leader of Vibes” and “Pookie Khamenei.”

“U can’t leave all tasks 2ur #wife&then criticize her. Even if she’s a scientist/politician, yet when interacting within family, she’s a #flower."

The resurfacing of these tweets comes at a time of unprecedented tension, as Iran and Israel engage in direct conflict for the first time in decades. Yet amid the seriousness of war, the internet has latched onto the surreal comparison of Khamenei’s “soft boy” Twitter era and his current image as the face of Iran’s hardline regime.

Social media platforms, especially X, have exploded with memes, parody accounts.