An American newspaper has put out satellite imagery showing the extent of damage caused to the official residence of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. The photo, shared by New York Times journalist Christiaan Triebert on social media platform X, shows the compound completely obliterated in the airstrikes that reportedly started around 10:30 am on Saturday.

Speculation swirled Saturday about the location of Khamenei following the bold daylight assault on Tehran by Israel and the United States, with initial blasts reported close to his central city offices.

A Reuters report citing sources indicated Khamenei had left Tehran prior to the attack, relocated to an undisclosed secure site. Neither the destination nor timing of the move was revealed.

President Donald Trump verified US involvement in the expansive military campaign against Iran via an eight-minute Truth Social video, laying out the rationale. "Our goal is safeguarding Americans by neutralizing urgent dangers from the Iranian regime -- a ruthless band of brutal actors," he declared.

He continued: "Their aggressive moves threaten the US, our forces, overseas installations, and global partners." Trump lambasted the regime's 47-year history of "Death to America" rhetoric and relentless violence against US personnel and civilians worldwide.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz corroborated the operation: "Israel initiated a preemptive strike on Iran to neutralize existential threats."

The escalation wasn't unexpected. Simmering friction over Iran's nuclear advancements and missile capabilities had intensified between Tehran, Jerusalem, and Washington. Just 24 hours earlier, Trump signaled openness to force -- including potential regime change -- while admitting he was "not happy" with developments but hadn't finalized plans.