A seismic shift has occurred in Iran, as reports indicate Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been moved from Tehran to an undisclosed secure location. This dramatic relocation follows a series of intense military strikes targeting the core infrastructure of the Iranian regime, signaling a significant escalation of tensions.
Early Saturday morning, explosions reverberated through Tehran as a coordinated military operation, described as a “pre-emptive strike,” unfolded against key regime targets. These strikes focused on Iran’s military and intelligence networks, prompting immediate security measures around Khamenei’s compound and other vital government facilities.
Roads leading to the Supreme Leader’s offices were swiftly closed as the attacks commenced, suggesting a deliberate attempt to safeguard his position. Reports quickly surfaced detailing strikes against the Imam Ali Missile Base and the sensitive Qom nuclear facilities, raising the stakes considerably.
Among those reportedly targeted was Amir Hatami, the Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Army, indicating a direct assault on the highest levels of military leadership. The operation, codenamed ‘Shield of Judah,’ aimed to dismantle immediate threats to regional stability, specifically missile launchers and drone bases.
Initial reports from Israeli officials suggest a comprehensive targeting strategy, aiming to impact the entirety of Iranian leadership – political and military, both present and future. Khamenei’s residence and central government complex were specifically identified as strike locations.
While Iranian state media initially claimed the survival of President Masoud Pezeshkian and other key officials, a conspicuous silence surrounded the Supreme Leader’s status. Only a single source confirmed Khamenei was not in Tehran during the attack, a detail that remains unverified by independent sources.
The United States played a coordinated role in these strikes, with planning reportedly underway for months and the timing finalized weeks in advance. This level of preparation underscores the gravity of the situation and the calculated nature of the operation.
As the attacks unfolded, Iran responded by closing its airspace, a clear indication of the severity of the situation and the potential for further escalation. A national warning was issued to Israeli citizens, urging them to seek shelter in anticipation of potential retaliatory missile launches.
The strikes targeted the Intelligence Directorate of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as well as locations in central Tehran, demonstrating the breadth and depth of the military operation. The world now watches, bracing for the next chapter in this unfolding crisis.
The silence from Iranian state media regarding Khamenei’s whereabouts continues to fuel speculation and uncertainty, leaving the region on edge as the implications of these strikes become increasingly clear.
