A seismic shift has occurred in Iran. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the nation’s Supreme Leader, has reportedly been moved from Tehran to an undisclosed secure location as a wave of military strikes targeted critical infrastructure within the country.
Explosions reverberated through Tehran early Saturday, marking what Israel characterized as a “pre-emptive strike” against key elements of Iran’s military and intelligence networks. The strikes unfolded with startling speed, prompting immediate and significant security measures.
Roads leading to Khamenei’s compound were swiftly sealed off as strikes occurred near vital government facilities, including areas in close proximity to the Supreme Leader’s offices in the heart of Tehran. The operation signaled a dramatic escalation of tensions.
Initial reports indicate that targets extended beyond the capital. The Imam Ali Missile Base and nuclear facilities in Qom were also reportedly struck. A high-profile assassination attempt targeted Amir Hatami, the Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Army.
An Iranian official confirmed to Reuters that Khamenei was indeed moved, verifying the reports circulating internationally. This relocation underscores the gravity of the situation and the perceived threat to the Supreme Leader’s safety.
As the attacks unfolded, Israel’s military issued a nationwide alert, urging citizens to seek shelter. The message prepared the public for the potential of retaliatory missile launches, acknowledging the volatile nature of the conflict.
Iranian media confirmed strikes against the IRGC Intelligence Directorate and locations in central Tehran. In response, the country has closed its airspace, further isolating itself as the crisis deepens.
This operation, codenamed ‘Shield of Judah,’ wasn’t a spontaneous reaction. Israeli security officials revealed to Reuters that the strikes were meticulously planned over months, with the timing finalized weeks in advance.
The stated objective of ‘Shield of Judah’ is to neutralize immediate threats to Israel’s security, specifically focusing on dismantling missile launchers and unmanned aerial vehicle bases within Iran. The operation represents a decisive attempt to reshape the regional security landscape.
