US EditionIran's Khamenei Moves to Underground Bunker Amid US Attack Fears
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei moved to a fortified underground shelter amid protests and U.S. strike risks; his son manages communications with government bodies.
- On Saturday, Iran International reported Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was transferred to an underground bunker in Tehran after senior officials warned of a heightened risk of a possible American strike.
- After U.S. threats earlier this month and President Donald Trump's rhetoric, senior Iranian officials assessed increased danger while U.S. officials pressed for 'decisive' military options.
- The facility is described as a secure site connected by tunnels in Tehran, Masoud Khamenei has assumed day-to-day management of the Office of the Supreme Leader, and the Revolutionary Guards have extracted Khamenei for brief public prayers in recent weeks.
- Officials denied reports and emphasized Saeid Reza Mosayeb Motlagh said Khamenei holds meetings via video conferencing, while Iranian leadership warned an attack would be `a declaration of total war on the Iranian nation`.
- Activist organisations estimate more than 5,000 killed amid protests and an internet blackout imposed on January 8, while analysts say Khamenei lost many trusted advisers after June 13, raising succession uncertainty.
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Iran’s Khamenei moved to fortified Tehran bunker amid US strike fears
Report: Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was transferred to a fortified underground site in Tehran, over concerns of a possible American attack, with his son Masoud reportedly managing key communications with regime bodies
Increased risk of potential US attack
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