Is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Afraid Of Donald Trump? Goes Into Hiding As US Prepares To Attack Iran

Tehran: The prospect of a confrontation between Iran and the United States appears to be escalating once again. According to local media reports, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been moved to a special underground shelter in Tehran. The report, citing two sources close to the government, states that the decision was made after senior military and security officials assessed the possibility of a potential US attack as a serious threat. Meanwhile, Khamenei has reportedly handed over executive command to one of his sons.

Where is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei hiding?

According to Iran International, the underground facility is a highly secure and fortified location with multiple interconnected tunnel-like passages. The sources also claimed that Khamenei's third son, Masoud Khamenei, is currently managing the daily operations of the Supreme Leader's office and serves as the main point of contact with the executive branches of the government.

Meanwhile, the US has intensified its military deployment to the Middle East. The US Navy's USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is currently in the Indian Ocean and is expected to reach the Arabian Sea or the Persian Gulf in the coming days. This strike group includes guided-missile destroyers such as the USS Spruance, USS Frank E. Petersen Jr., and USS Michael Murphy.

Why did Donald Trump send warships to the Middle East?

In terms of air power, the carrier strike group is equipped with F-35C stealth fighter jets and F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft. In addition, the US has deployed F-15E Strike Eagles and the UK has sent Typhoon fighter jets to the region.

US President Donald Trump and senior officials have described the deployment as a precautionary measure and a show of force. They say the move is intended to deter Iran from any further provocations, particularly amid growing concerns over the crackdown on protests and the country's nuclear program. Trump recently stated explicitly that a change in leadership is needed in Iran. Iran has also warned the United States.

Meanwhile, Iran has adopted a tough stance. Iranian officials have warned that any military attack, even a limited one, will be considered an "all-out war." Iran has also placed its forces on high alert. The news of Khamenei going to an underground shelter is being seen as a sign of this escalating threat.