Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has implemented “an extraordinary series of steps” to protect his life and the Islamic Republic’s leadership amid intensifying Israeli attacks on Iranian soil, according to a New York Times report cited by Anadolu on Saturday.
Quoting three Iranian officials familiar with emergency war plans, the report said Khamenei has cut off electronic communications and now relays orders to military commanders solely through a trusted aide to avoid detection.
Now operating from a bunker, Khamenei has reportedly appointed successors down the military chain of command and selected three senior clerics as potential replacements should he die.
The report follows threats from Israel to eliminate the Iranian leader. The officials also claimed Khamenei believes either Israel or the United States might attempt to assassinate him.
The Times highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that Mojtaba Khamenei, the supreme leader’s son and once seen as a likely successor, was not among those named.
Due to mounting security risks, Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence has reportedly barred senior officials and military leaders from using phones or electronic devices.
The escalation began on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes on multiple Iranian targets, including military and nuclear facilities, triggering retaliatory attacks from Tehran.
According to Israeli authorities, at least 25 people have died and hundreds have been injured in Iranian missile strikes. Iran’s Health Ministry reports 430 deaths and more than 3,500 injuries from Israeli assaults.
