The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on Saturday. Iranian media, quoted by the AP, said that one of the first explosions was heard near the office of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
US-Israel strikes target near Khamenei’s office; Who could succeed him? (AFP) Witnesses said the first blast occurred near Khamenei’s office compound. Iranian state television confirmed that an explosion had taken place but did not give details about the cause. Authorities closed roads leading to the compound, shut down the country’s airspace and disrupted mobile phone services.
Targets and rising tensions Reuters, citing sources, reported that the 86-year old Khamenei was not at his office when the strikes happened and had been moved to a secure location outside Tehran. He has not appeared in public in recent days as tensions with the United States increased.
According to the AP, Israel targeted military bases, government buildings and intelligence centres. The strikes happened as the US increased its military presence in the region and tensions rose over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Khamenei, who has led Iran since 1989, is the longest-serving head of state in the Middle East. Any removal or serious injury or death would lead to only the second leadership change since the 1979 Islamic Revolution and could mark a major turning point for the Islamic Republic.
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