Iran's confidential sources has revealed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has transferred key operational authority to the Supreme Council of the Iranian military, namely the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as the war with Israel enters its sixth day.
This significant shift comes against the backdrop of intensifying hostilities and direct threats from Washington. According to sources within Tehran, Khamenei has been quietly moved to a fortified underground facility in northeast Tehran, accompanied by close family members, including his influential son Mojtaba. The relocation is understood to be a precautionary measure as fears mount over a possible joint Israeli-American escalation.
Earlier today, Israel and Iran exchanged missile fire yet again, defying international calls for restraint. The confrontation has now drawn renewed warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump, who publicly stated that American intelligence had pinpointed Khamenei&rsquo;s location. While asserting that there were no plans to assassinate the Supreme Leader "for now", the U.S. President issued a veiled ultimatum, insisting that Iran faces severe consequences unless it surrenders unconditionally.
Within Iran, the power transfer is seen as unprecedented since Khamenei assumed leadership in 1989. Once surrounded by a circle of trusted generals and advisers, he now stands increasingly alone. The recent deaths of several high-ranking IRGC commanders, including the influential General Ali Shadmani in Israeli air raids, have dealt a crushing blow to Iran&rsquo;s strategic command.
The internal void left by these losses has forced the regime to recalibrate both its military posture and internal security strategy. Sources familiar with Iran&rsquo;s defence hierarchy suggest that the vacuum has severely weakened the cohesion of Khamenei&rsquo;s inner circle.
Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is said to believe that eliminating Khamenei would be the decisive move to conclude the war with Iran &mdash; a signal that this conflict may be far from over.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei with commanders (file photos)

Iran's Supreme Leader retreats underground, cedes command amid rising Israeli pressure

Khamenei Hides, Hands Power to IRGC as War Rages

Iran's Supreme Leader retreats underground, cedes command amid rising Israeli pressure

June 18, 2025 | 09:23 IST