Ali Khamenei is reportedly hiding in a bunker, fearing US strike

The facility where Khamenei is said to be staying is described as heavily reinforced and linked by a network of interconnected tunnels.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has reportedly relocated to a fortified underground bunker in Tehran as officials assess what they describe as a growing threat of a possible US strike, according to the opposition-affiliated outlet Iran International.

The report says the decision followed internal evaluations pointing to an “increased risk of a potential US attack” as US forces expand their presence in the region amid rising tensions tied to the regime’s violent suppression of protests earlier this month.

The facility where Khamenei is said to be staying is described as heavily reinforced and linked by a network of “interconnected tunnels,” designed to provide protection and secure movement if necessary. No official confirmation has been issued by Iranian authorities regarding the report.

During this period, Khamenei’s third-born son, Masoud Khamenei, is reportedly managing daily affairs within the supreme leader’s office. Iran International said he has become the “main channel for communication” between his father and senior government officials while the supreme leader remains out of public view.

The report emerges at a time of heightened strain between Tehran and Washington following a severe crackdown on demonstrators in multiple cities.

While Iran’s leadership has not acknowledged any shift in the supreme leader’s routine, the opposition outlet’s claims suggest that senior officials are preparing for contingencies tied to the current regional posture of US forces.

Iran International did not provide details on how the information was obtained but framed the development as part of broader internal security measures taken in response to what officials perceive as escalating external threats.

President Trump said Thursday that an “armada” of US warships is moving toward the Middle East as he monitors how the Iranian regime responds to the mass protests that erupted in late December.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he said, “We have a lot of ships going that direction just in case,” calling it a “good sign” that Iran had refrained from executing protesters. He added, “we have an armada heading that direction and maybe we won’t have to use it.”