Amid intensifying Israeli airstrikes, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has taken shelter in a bunker and named three clerics as potential successors
Amid intensifying Israeli airstrikes, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has taken shelter in a bunker and named three clerics as potential successors, according to Iranian officials. Communication has been restricted to trusted aides as fears of assassination and infiltration grow. Khamenei has also selected replacements for key military leaders killed in the attacks.
“The top priority is the preservation of the state,” said Vali Nasr of Johns Hopkins University.
Iran has responded to Israeli strikes by launching counterattacks on Israeli infrastructure. Officials report hundreds of Iranian casualties, widespread blackouts, and a near-total internet shutdown. Public sentiment has shifted toward national unity.
“Our senior commanders were all assassinated within one hour,” said Mahdi Mohammadi, a senior adviser to Parliament.
As the threat of U.S. involvement looms, Iran has warned of retaliation against American targets. “Democracy cannot come through violence and war,” said Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi.
Authorities have ordered collaborators to surrender or face execution.