In one of the most dramatic developments of February 28, 2026, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was moved out of Tehran and transferred to a secret, secure location after the United States and Israel launched massive coordinated military strikes against Iran.
An Iranian official quoted by Reuters confirmed that Khamenei is no longer in Tehran and has been transferred to a secure location. The move came as explosions rocked the Iranian capital from multiple directions simultaneously.
Seven missiles struck a location near the presidential palace in Shemiran, in the north of Tehran, and near Khamenei’s compound. Satellite imagery showed the destroyed complex where Khamenei was reportedly being guarded just moments before the strikes.
The situation around Khamenei’s whereabouts quickly became deeply uncertain. Israeli officials told Walla that Khamenei has been cut off from contact and there is no certainty about his fate. Iranian officials promised to release a recording from Khamenei soon. The preliminary assessment among Israeli officials was that Khamenei was hurt in the strike, though no official confirmation has been received from Israeli, American, or Iranian sources.
Iranian state media has maintained complete silence regarding the status of Khamenei. Only one Islamic Republic official spoke to Reuters confirming he was not in Tehran at the time of the attack. Voice of America stated it was still unable to independently verify these reports.
Among the reported targets were the Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani, who was said to have been killed. Iran’s Defense Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammed Pakpour are also believed to have been killed in Israeli attacks, according to two sources familiar with Israel’s military operations.
US President Donald Trump, after confirming American participation in the strikes, urged the Iranian people directly: “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take.”
The world now watches anxiously as the fate of Khamenei and the future of the Iranian regime hang in the balance.
