Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Hiding: As the war between Israel and Iran drags into its sixth straight day, the Islamic Republic appears to be undergoing a seismic shift in its internal power structure. In a startling development that underscores the gravity of the situation, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly transferred critical powers to the Supreme Council of the Iranian military, specifically to the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
This move, first reported by Iran Insight, comes amid credible reports that Khamenei has been moved to an undisclosed underground bunker in northeastern Tehran. He is believed to be accompanied by key members of his family, including his influential son Mojtaba Khamenei.
The situation in the region has become increasingly volatile. In the early hours of Wednesday, missiles were exchanged once again between Israel and Iran, despite mounting international calls for de-escalation. The hostilities were sparked by Israel’s controversial attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities last Friday.
Trump’s Warning and Iran’s Strategic Vacuum
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has added fuel to the already raging fire by issuing a blunt warning to Tehran. In a post on Truth Social, he said:
“We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. We are not going to take him out—for now. But our patience is wearing thin.”
Trump also demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” a phrase that sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles and has only further strained the fragile geopolitical balance in the Middle East.
Iran, already reeling from internal dissent and economic struggles, has suffered another massive blow—this time to its military leadership. Several high-ranking IRGC officials, including the trusted and strategically vital commander Ali Shadmani, have reportedly been killed in Israeli airstrikes. This has created what sources close to the Iranian establishment describe as a “strategic vacuum” at the very top of Iran’s defense command.
Netanyahu’s Stark Position
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken an uncompromising stance. In a candid interview with ABC News, he addressed speculation about targeting Iran’s top leadership.
“It’s not going to escalate the conflict; it’s going to end the conflict,” he said, responding to questions about whether killing Khamenei could become an option.
Netanyahu’s words may offer insight into Israel’s endgame strategy—a direct strike aimed at dismantling Iran’s core leadership. Yet, such a move would likely trigger a devastating retaliation and could ignite a much broader regional war.
Rising Death Toll and Human Cost
According to latest figures from local sources and humanitarian observers, at least 224 people have been killed in Iran since the conflict began, including civilians and military personnel. Israel has reported 24 deaths, mainly from rocket strikes in central and northern districts.
Hospitals on both sides are overwhelmed, and international aid agencies are urging both governments to agree to temporary ceasefires for humanitarian purposes.
What the Power Shift Means for Iran
Ayatollah Khamenei has been Iran’s supreme leader since 1989, wielding near-absolute authority over military and political affairs. By ceding control to the IRGC, even partially, he is signaling either a loss of confidence, a strategic retreat, or a grave internal concern over his safety and survival.
Analysts believe this transition could trigger shifts in Iran’s foreign policy posture. The IRGC, known for its aggressive military doctrine and hardline anti-Israel ideology, may further escalate retaliatory measures if left unchecked.
Regional and Global Implications
The developments are being closely monitored by global powers, particularly the United States, Russia, and China. Washington’s aggressive rhetoric signals a tilt toward direct involvement, though the Biden administration has so far refrained from formal military commitments.
For now, the Middle East stands at a perilous crossroads. The loss of Iran’s top commanders, the Supreme Leader’s retreat, and the ever-intensifying Israeli response mark one of the most dangerous chapters in the modern history of the region.
The world watches anxiously, hoping that diplomacy can prevail before the point of no return is crossed.
