Fact Check: "Khamenei now guarded by a secret elite unit unknown even to top officials."
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, has taken extraordinary measures to enhance his security amid escalating tensions and military threats, particularly from Israel and the United States. According to a New York Times article, Khamenei has retreated to a bunker and has suspended electronic communications to avoid detection. He is reportedly being guarded by a special forces unit of the Revolutionary Guards, known as the Vali-ye Amr, which is described as a "top-secret elite security unit" that even many high-ranking Iranian officials were previously unaware of (India Today).
The urgency for heightened security stems from the assassination of several of Khamenei's military and security advisors due to Israeli airstrikes, which has left significant gaps in his inner circle (Reuters). This situation has prompted Khamenei to prepare for potential succession, naming three senior clerics as candidates to succeed him in the event of his death (New York Times).
Analysis
The claim that Khamenei is now guarded by a secret elite unit is supported by multiple credible sources. The New York Times and India Today both confirm the existence of this elite unit, which has been kept under wraps even from senior officials within the Iranian government. This secrecy suggests a significant level of concern regarding Khamenei's safety, particularly in light of recent military actions against Iran.
However, while the reports indicate that Khamenei's security measures have intensified, they do not provide specific details about the unit's operations or its composition, which raises questions about the extent of its secrecy and effectiveness. The Reuters report also highlights the broader context of Khamenei's precarious position, emphasizing that his leadership is under threat due to ongoing military conflicts and internal vulnerabilities.
The reliability of the sources is generally high, as they are established news organizations with a history of reporting on Iranian affairs. However, the situation in Iran is fluid and often shrouded in secrecy, which can complicate the verification of claims related to internal security measures.
Conclusion
The claim that Ayatollah Khamenei is now guarded by a secret elite unit unknown even to top officials is Partially True. While credible reports confirm the existence of this elite security force and the heightened security measures Khamenei has implemented, the full scope of its operations and the extent of its secrecy remain unclear. The context of Khamenei's situation, including the threats he faces and the implications for Iran's leadership, adds complexity to the claim.
