Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly retreated to a secure bunker and now communicates with military leaders exclusively through a close assistant, having discontinued all electronic communications to enhance his security. The New York Times reports this development, citing three confidential sources.
The newspaper reveals that Khamenei has identified three senior clerics as potential successors should he be assassinated, along with backup replacements for his closest advisors if they meet the same fate. Notably absent from the succession list is Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, according to NYT's sources.
Meanwhile, Iran appears to have regained its footing following the initial disruption caused by its conflict with Israel, now maintaining the capacity to launch regular retaliatory actions. Government insiders and diplomats report that the nation's power structure remains operational despite significant attacks, with no evident signs of political unrest among leadership circles.
Security concerns have escalated to such an extent that Iran's intelligence service has prohibited officials from using mobile phones or any electronic communication devices. High-ranking government and military personnel have also been instructed to remain in hiding, as detailed in the NYT report.
The country has further isolated itself by severing most external communications - implementing near-total internet blackouts and blocking incoming international phone calls.