Fact Check: Khamenei is reportedly hiding underground, losing control of Iran.

Fact Check: "Khamenei is reportedly hiding underground, losing control of Iran."

What We Know

The claim that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is hiding underground stems from various reports and statements made amidst escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. Following Israeli military strikes, there have been assertions that Khamenei was evacuated to an underground bunker in northeastern Tehran for safety. For instance, Iran International reported that Khamenei was moved to a bunker shortly after the strikes began, citing unnamed sources. Additionally, former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that the U.S. knows Khamenei's location and described him as "hiding" in a post on social media, although he did not advocate for immediate action against him (New York Times).

Despite these claims, a security source told Reuters that Khamenei is alive and actively receiving briefings about the situation in Iran, which contradicts the notion that he is entirely out of control or incapacitated. Furthermore, Khamenei's long-standing position as the supreme leader of Iran gives him significant control over the country's political and military apparatus, making it unlikely that he has lost control entirely, even in times of crisis.

Analysis

The assertion that Khamenei is "hiding underground" can be seen as an exaggeration or a simplification of the complex political and military situation in Iran. While reports indicate that he may have been moved to a bunker for safety, this does not necessarily imply a loss of control over the country. The context of military strikes and heightened tensions with Israel may have prompted precautionary measures rather than a complete abdication of authority.

The sources reporting on Khamenei's situation vary in reliability. For example, Iran International is a news outlet that focuses on Iranian affairs but may carry a bias against the Iranian government. Conversely, the Reuters report comes from a well-established international news agency known for its journalistic standards, lending it more credibility. Trump's statements, while notable, should be viewed with caution due to his political background and potential motivations for making such claims.

Additionally, Khamenei's historical role and the structure of the Iranian government suggest that he retains substantial power. He has been the supreme leader since 1989 and has significant influence over military and political decisions in Iran (Wikipedia). The Iranian Revolutionary Guards, which he controls, are a key element of the state's power structure and have been deployed to suppress dissent and maintain order.

Conclusion

The claim that Khamenei is hiding underground and losing control of Iran is Partially True. While there are credible reports suggesting he has taken refuge in a bunker due to security concerns, this does not equate to a complete loss of control over the Iranian government or military. His long-standing position and the mechanisms of power in Iran indicate that he remains a central figure in the country's governance, even amid crises.

Fact Check: Khamenei is reportedly hiding underground, losing control of Iran.