Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly retreated to a fortified bunker in Tehran as tensions escalate with the United States. This move comes in response to warnings from senior military officials regarding the possibility of imminent US airstrikes. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, accompanied by a strike group including three destroyers, is currently en route to the Persian Gulf, heightening concerns about potential military action.
Khamenei, aged 86, has delegated daily operations of the Islamic Republic to his youngest son, Masoud Khamenei, who is now responsible for communications with the regime’s executive branch. The shift in leadership comes as President Donald Trump announced on March 15, 2024, that US naval forces are deploying to the Middle East, which he described as a warning to Iran following a series of escalating threats exchanged between the two leaders.
In a public display of defiance, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that any attack on Khamenei would be treated as “an all-out war against us.” Additionally, Iran’s national security parliamentary commission indicated that such an attack would lead to a declaration of jihad, according to the Iranian Students News Agency. This statement reflects Tehran’s commitment to defending its leadership amid increasing external pressures.
Despite the escalating situation, Khamenei has not communicated publicly since January 17, 2024. His absence from social media has sparked speculation about his well-being and safety, particularly given his previous decision to retreat underground during the 12-Day War with Israel in June 2023. Reports suggest that during that conflict, he prepared a list of potential successors in case of his death.
The Iranian regime faces significant internal challenges, including widespread protests against economic hardships exacerbated by severe drought conditions. Demonstrations have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 3,000 civilians, with some organizations estimating the toll could be as high as 20,000. Khamenei’s last public threats included a commitment to pursue both internal and external “criminals” he blames for the unrest that has gripped the nation since December 28, 2023.
As the situation develops, the international community continues to monitor the implications of Khamenei’s retreat and the potential for military confrontation. The deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group serves as a stark reminder of the fragile state of relations between Iran and the United States, with both sides preparing for possible escalation.
