Khamenei transfers daily duties, moves to underground shelter after officials warn of US strike

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly transferred his day‑to‑day responsibilities to his son and relocated to a fortified underground shelter in Tehran after senior military and security officials warned of a heightened risk of a U.S. strike.

Move Triggered by Fears of Possible American Attack

According to multiple regional and opposition-linked outlets, Iranian security and military officials recently briefed Khamenei on what they described as an increased likelihood of a direct American strike. This assessment reportedly followed U.S. naval deployments toward the region and public statements from U.S. leadership signaling rising tensions.

Sources told Iran International that the 86‑year‑old leader was moved to a hardened underground complex in Tehran designed with interconnected tunnels and reinforced structures capable of withstanding potential attacks.

Masoud Khamenei Takes Over Daily Management

As part of the transition, Khamenei’s third son, Masoud Khamenei, has reportedly assumed responsibility for managing the Supreme Leader’s daily affairs. He is now serving as the primary channel of communication between the Supreme Leader’s office and Iran’s executive branches, according to opposition media reports.

This shift marks one of the most significant internal adjustments within Iran’s leadership in recent years, raising questions about decision‑making processes should tensions escalate further.

As regional tensions continue to rise, the reported move comes amid a period of heightened regional instability, including:

• Increased U.S. military presence near Iranian waters

• Ongoing unrest inside Iran

• Concerns within Iran’s leadership about potential external threats

Iran International and other outlets note that senior officials believe the risk of confrontation with the United States has grown, prompting precautionary measures at the highest levels of government.

No Official Confirmation Yet

As of now, Iranian state media has not confirmed the reports, and the government has not issued a public statement regarding Khamenei’s location or the transfer of responsibilities. The information comes primarily from opposition-linked sources and regional media outlets.

However, the consistency of reports across multiple independent sources suggests that Iran’s leadership is preparing for the possibility of a significant escalation.