Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been relocated to a fortified underground bunker as fears of a potential US military strike intensify. This precautionary move comes in response to a significant naval buildup by the United States, with warships advancing towards Iranian waters, heightening regional anxieties.
Escalating Tensions and Military Preparations
Senior Iranian military officials have issued warnings about an elevated risk of American attacks, particularly as internal protests continue to sweep across the nation. In light of these threats, Khamenei's third son, Masoud, has assumed responsibility for managing his father's daily affairs while the Supreme Leader remains sheltered from possible aggression.
US Naval Movements and Trump's Statements
Former US President Donald Trump recently announced the deployment of a substantial fleet towards Iran, stating it was a precautionary measure. 'We have a massive fleet heading in that direction, and maybe we won't have to use it,' Trump remarked. A US Navy official confirmed on Thursday that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, accompanied by other warships, is currently positioned in the Indian Ocean, underscoring the military posture.
Background of Protests and US Red Lines
The current crisis stems from a violent crackdown on protests that erupted on December 28, triggered by the collapse of Iran's currency, the rial. Trump has repeatedly cautioned Tehran, establishing two clear red lines for military intervention:
- The killing of peaceful demonstrators
- The mass execution of individuals detained during the protests
Although Iran has suspended the execution of approximately 800 protest detainees, Trump remains deeply dissatisfied with Khamenei's handling of the situation, maintaining pressure on the regime.
Iran's Stern Warning and Readiness
An anonymous Iranian official delivered a stark message to Reuters, declaring that any US attack would precipitate 'all-out war'. The official emphasised, 'This time we will treat any attack – limited, unlimited, surgical, kinetic, whatever they call it – as an all-out war against us, and we will respond in the hardest way possible to settle this.'
The official further warned that violations of Iran's sovereignty would be met with decisive retaliation, noting that while they hope the military buildup is not intended for real confrontation, their forces are on high alert and prepared for worst-case scenarios.
Chilling Threats and Historical Context
In a provocative broadcast on state television, Iran issued a direct threat to Trump, showcasing footage from a failed assassination attempt in 2024 with the declaration, 'this time, the bullet won't miss.' This rhetoric adds to the already volatile atmosphere, as both nations edge closer to a potential military clash.
The situation remains fluid, with international observers closely monitoring developments as diplomatic channels appear strained and military readiness on both sides escalates.
