Tehran. The fear of conflict between Iran and America is increasing. According to media reports, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been shifted to a special underground shelter in Tehran. The report quoted sources close to the government as saying that senior military and security officials had assessed the possibility of a possible US attack as a serious threat, after which this decision was taken. Meanwhile, Khamenei has handed over the executive command to his son.
According to media reports, this underground facility is a highly secure and strong base, which has many interconnected tunnels. Sources claimed that Khamenei’s third son, Masoud Khamenei, is currently holding the responsibility of the office of the Supreme Leader and remains the main means of contact with the executive branches of the government. Meanwhile, America has further intensified its military deployment towards the Middle East. The US Navy’s Abraham Lincoln ship is currently present in the Indian Ocean and is likely to reach the Arabian Sea or the Persian Gulf in the coming days.
F-35C stealth fighter jets and F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft have been deployed in this carrier strike group. Apart from this, America has also sent F-15E Strike Eagles and Britain has sent Typhoon fighter jets to the area. US President Donald Trump and senior officials have described this deployment as a precautionary step and a show of force. They say that this step has been taken to prevent Iran from any further provocation, especially amid the crackdown on protests and growing concerns over its nuclear program.
Whereas Iran has adopted a tough stance. Iranian officials have warned that any military attack, even limited one, would be considered an all-out war. Along with this, Iran has put its forces on high alert. The news of Khamenei going to the underground shelter is being seen as a sign of this increasing danger.