Khamenei Transfers Strategic Powers to IRGC Command Amid Escalating Israel–Iran Conflict

Khamenei Transfers Strategic Powers to IRGC: Iran International has learned that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has handed over key powers to the Supreme Council of the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), amid a five-day absence from public view.

The move follows reports that Khamenei has been relocated to an underground bunker in Lavizan, northeast Tehran, along with close family members, including his son Mojtaba.

The deadly conflict between Iran and Israel entered its sixth day on Wednesday, with both sides widening their attacks. Tehran has claimed to have fired hypersonic Fattah-1 missiles at Israel in the latest round of overnight strikes, hours after Donald Trump demanded the Islamic Republic's "unconditional surrender". The US president insisted Washington has played no part in Israel's bombing campaign, but also warned Iran that his patience is wearing thin.

The escalating tensions have also raised risks for Iran over the US participation, as President Donald Trump warned Tehran that US patience was wearing thin.

Also Read: IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Delhi: Rain, Thunderstorms & Gusty Winds Forecast Until Thursday

Trump has also revealed that the White House knows "exactly" where the Iranian Supreme Leader is hiding, adding that there was no intention to kill Iran's leader "for now."

"We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding. We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now...Our patience is wearing thin," Trump wrote on Truth Social. He has also called for Iran's unconditional surrender.

After coming to power in 1989, Khamenei has managed to get ultimate control over the Iranian military and key state appointments.

US President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: “We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

While Iran has not officially declared a state of war, judiciary officials have acknowledged that the country is operating under de facto emergency conditions. The delegation of authority is seen as a precaution to ensure continuity of command if Khamenei is killed.

Also Read: Ravi Shastri Picks Shardul Thakur Over Nitish Reddy, Snubs Kuldeep for 1st Test vs England

Khamenei has deployed the Revolutionary Guards and their affiliated Basij militia to quell national protests in 1999, 2009, and 2022. While the security forces have always been able to outlast demonstrators and restore state rule, years of Western sanctions have caused widespread economic misery that analysts say could ultimately threaten internal unrest.

“His son Mojtaba has grown ever more central to this process over the past 20 years, the sources said, building a role that cuts between the personalities, factions and organisations involved to coordinate on specific issues,” the sources told Reuters.

A mid-ranking cleric seen by some insiders as a potential successor to his ageing father, Mojtaba has built close ties with the Guards, giving him added leverage across Iran's political and security apparatus, the people added, as reported by Reuters.

“Ali Asghar Hejazi, the deputy of political security affairs at Khamenei's office, has been involved in sensitive security decisions and is often described as the most powerful intelligence official in Iran,” the sources told Reuters.

Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor’s Niece Samara Sahni Charms Paparazzi with Giggles; Neetu & Riddhima React Adorably