Fact Check: "Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was moved to an underground bunker in Lavizan, northeastern Tehran, on April 13, 2024, hours after Israel began its attacks on Tehran."
What We Know
On April 13, 2024, reports emerged that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was relocated to an underground bunker in Lavizan, northeastern Tehran. This move occurred shortly after Israel initiated airstrikes targeting Iranian military installations, which were described as a direct response to the killing of two Iranian generals in Damascus. According to Iran International, two informed sources confirmed that Khamenei and all members of his family, including his son Mojtaba, were present in the bunker at that time. This was not the first instance of Khamenei using the bunker; he had previously sought refuge there during earlier military operations against Israel, specifically in April and October of 2024.
The airstrikes marked the beginning of Iran's Operation True Promise 1, which involved over 300 missiles and drones aimed at Israeli military targets. The operation was characterized as a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nations (source-5).
Analysis
The claim that Khamenei was moved to a bunker on April 13, 2024, is supported by multiple credible sources, including Iran International and News18. Both outlets report that Khamenei's relocation was a precautionary measure in response to the Israeli attacks. The sources cited are consistent in their accounts, indicating that Khamenei's family accompanied him to the bunker, which has been a recurring safe location during military escalations.
However, the reliability of these sources must be considered. Iran International is known for its critical stance on the Iranian government, which may influence its reporting. Nevertheless, the consistency across various reports, including those from The Times of Israel and NDTV, lends credibility to the claim. These reports corroborate the details about Khamenei's relocation and the context of the Israeli airstrikes.
While some sources may have biases, the convergence of information from multiple independent outlets strengthens the validity of the claim. The reports also highlight the broader implications of the conflict, including the potential for increased violence and regional instability.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was moved to an underground bunker in Lavizan, northeastern Tehran, on April 13, 2024, shortly after Israel began its attacks, is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The consistency of the reports and the context surrounding the military actions support the assertion that Khamenei's relocation was a response to the escalating conflict.
Sources
- Khamenei and his family hiding in bunker north of Tehran, sources say ... Iran International
- Khamenei in bunker in northeastern Tehran; Israel didn't kill him ... The Times of Israel
- Iran: le leurre de « l’utilisation civile » de l’énergie nucléaire JForum
- Khamenei's 'SMASH ISRAEL' Order Issued From Bunker ... YouTube
- Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei, Family Hiding In Bunker As Israel-Iran Battle Escalates: Report News18
- Where Iran's Supreme Leader and His Family Are Hiding Dagens
- Multiples explosions en Iran il y a une heure - JForum JForum
- Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Family Hiding In Bunkers After ... NDTV
