Fact Check: "Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was moved to an underground bunker in Lavizan, northeastern Tehran, on April 12, 2024, hours after Israel began its attacks on Tehran."
What We Know
On April 12, 2024, reports emerged that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was moved to an underground bunker located in Lavizan, northeastern Tehran. This relocation occurred shortly after Israel initiated military attacks on Tehran. According to Iran International, two informed sources within Iran confirmed that Khamenei and his family, including his son Mojtaba, were taken to the bunker for safety. This action aligns with previous instances during heightened military tensions, where Khamenei's family also sought refuge in the same location during operations against Israel, specifically during "Operation True Promise 1" and "Operation True Promise 2" (source-2).
The context of these military operations is significant; "Operation True Promise 1," which commenced on April 13, 2024, involved over 300 missiles and drones targeting Israeli military installations as a response to the killing of two Iranian generals in Damascus. Following this, "Operation True Promise 2" took place on October 1, 2024, targeting Israeli military facilities in retaliation for the assassination of Iran-aligned militant leaders (source-2).
Analysis
The claim that Khamenei was moved to an underground bunker on April 12, 2024, is supported by multiple credible sources. Reports from Iran International and Ynet News corroborate the timeline and details of Khamenei's relocation. Both outlets cite informed sources indicating that the Supreme Leader's family was also present in the bunker, reinforcing the narrative of precautionary measures taken in light of the Israeli attacks.
Additionally, the Times of Israel provided context regarding Israel's military strategy, suggesting that the Israeli government chose not to eliminate Khamenei during the initial attacks, indicating a strategic decision to allow him a chance to reconsider Iran's uranium enrichment program. This adds a layer of complexity to the situation, suggesting that Khamenei's relocation was not only a response to immediate threats but also part of a broader geopolitical strategy.
While the sources used in this analysis are generally reliable, it is important to note that Iran International is known to have ties to the Iranian opposition, which may introduce a degree of bias in its reporting. However, the consistency of the information across multiple independent sources, including mainstream media outlets, lends credibility to the claim.
Conclusion
The claim that Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was moved to an underground bunker in Lavizan, northeastern Tehran, on April 12, 2024, hours after Israel began its attacks on Tehran, is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources supports this assertion, indicating a coordinated response to a significant military threat.
Sources
- Multiples explosions en Iran il y a une heure - JForum
- Khamenei and his family hiding in bunker north of Tehran - Iran International
- Iran: une cyberattaque de grande ampleur paralyse les banques - JForum
- Khamenei in bunker in northeastern Tehran; Israel didn't kill him - Times of Israel
- JForum.fr ; une information juive sur Israël, le monde Juif, la Torah
- Report: 'Khamenei moved to underground bunker hours after Israel attacks - Ynet News
- Iran: le leurre de « l’utilisation civile » de l’énergie nucléaire - JForum
- REPORT: Ayatollah Khamenei Fled To Bunker As Israel Launched Strikes - The Yeshiva World
