Khamenei has gone into hiding ahead of possible US attack, opposition-affiliated news site reports

This handout photograph provided by the office of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei shows him speaking in Tehran on January 17, 2026. (KHAMENEI.IR / AFP)
This handout photograph provided by the office of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei shows him speaking in Tehran on January 17, 2026. (KHAMENEI.IR / AFP)

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has gone into hiding in a Tehran bunker, according to the opposition-affiliated Iran International news site, as the country prepares for a possible US attack amid heightened tensions over the brutal crackdown of protests earlier this month.

According to the report, which cites “information received” by the opposition news site, Khamenei went underground after senior officials assessed an “increased risk of a potential US attack,” as the US moves significant military forces into the region.

The report adds that the supreme leader’s bunker is fortified, and contains a system of “interconnected tunnels.”

While Khamenei is in hiding, his third-born son, Masoud Khamenei, has taken over day-to-day operations in his father’s office and is serving as the “main channel for communication” with government leaders, the report says.

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.