Khamenei moved to underground shelter? Iran tightens security amid US attack fears

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei has reportedly moved into a fortified underground shelter in Tehran following assessments by senior military and security officials of an increased risk of a potential US attack, according to information received by Iran International.

The facility is described as a hardened site connected by underground tunnels. The report also claims that Masoud Khamenei, the supreme leader’s third son, has assumed responsibility for the day-to-day management of the leader’s office and is now serving as the primary communication channel with executive branches of the government.

However, Iran’s Consul General to India, Saeid Reza Mosayeb Motlagh, denied reports that Khamenei is hiding in a bunker, while confirming that security around the leader has been strengthened.

“Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei is being provided security; however, he is not hiding in a bunker,” Motlagh said in an exclusive interaction with NDTV.

He alleged that foreign intelligence agencies have attempted to incite political unrest in Iran and asserted that the country remains prepared for any escalation in the region.

“Our country has shown that it has the power to fend off any kind of aggression that it has witnessed so far. A case in point would be the operations that were carried out in the 12-day war (with Israel in June last year), or the resistance that was shown against this terrorist operation,” Motlagh said.

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The comments come amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington. US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that a US “armada” was heading toward the Gulf, adding that Washington was closely monitoring Iran, even as he downplayed the prospect of imminent military action and indicated that Tehran appeared open to talks.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard signalled heightened military readiness. The paramilitary force, which played a central role in quelling recent nationwide protests, said it is prepared to respond to any threat as US warships move toward the Middle East.

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Nournews, a media outlet close to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, reported that Revolutionary Guard commander Gen. Mohammad Pakpour issued a warning to the US and Israel.

“More ready than ever, finger on the trigger,” the force remains prepared to act, Nournews reported.

“The Islamic Revolutionary Guards and dear Iran stand more ready than ever, finger on the trigger, to execute the orders and directives of the Commander-in-Chief,” Pakpour said, according to the outlet.

Tensions remain elevated following a sweeping crackdown on protests that erupted on December 28 after the collapse of Iran’s currency, the rial, and spread nationwide for nearly two weeks.