New Delhi: Amid renewed threats issued by the US to Iran as Tehran’s war with Tel Aviv escalates, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has handed over crucial powers to the Supreme Council of the Iranian military, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
This follows after reports suggesting that Khamenei has been moved to an underground bunker in northeast Tehran, accompanied by close family members, including his son Mojtaba, according to Iran Insight.
Israel and Iran continued to trade missile attacks as their conflict entered its sixth day on Wednesday. The mounting tensions have increased risks for Iran, especially amid US involvement in the strife. US President Donald Trump has said even though the US knows where Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei is ‘hiding’, there is no plan to kill or take him out for the time. However, he also wrote: “Our patience is wearing thin.” Trump has also called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender”.
After he assumed power in 1989, Khamenei gradually consolidated ultimate control over the Iranian military and key state appointments. However, Khamenei, who once enjoyed unwavering support from trusted commanders and strategists, now finds himself increasingly isolated.
Several Iranian military officials, including senior commander Ali Shadmani, have been killed in Israeli airstrikes. The death of senior IRGC officials, most trusted by the Supreme Leader, has created a significant strategic vacuum in Iran, Reuters reported quoting officials familiar with the inner workings of Khamenei’s circle.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has contended that killing Khamenei would bring an end to the Iran-Israel conflict.
At least 248 people have died in the conflict that started after Israel attacked Iran’s nuclear sites and Tehran on Friday night.
