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Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei may have been moved to an underground bunker in Tehran over fears of a potential American attack, Iran International reported Saturday, as the United States continues deploying military assets to the region.
Khamenei's third son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has assumed control of communications with government branches following the move, according to a report by Iran International, a media outlet affiliated with pro-opposition groups.
The relocation was executed after senior Iranian military and security officials assessed an increased risk of a potential U.S. attack, the report said.
The facility where Khamenei was transferred is described as a fortified site consisting of an interconnected network of tunnels.
The United States has sent additional Patriot and THAAD air defense systems to the region to protect American forces against potential Iranian retaliation with short and medium-range missiles, US officials told the New York Times (NYT).
U.S. officials speaking on condition of anonymity said President Donald Trump has received numerous intelligence reports indicating the Iranian government's position has weakened.
The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, accompanied by three warships equipped with Tomahawk missiles, entered the U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility in the western Indian Ocean as of Jan. 26, officials said. The carrier could "theoretically be ready for combat within one or two days" if the White House orders an attack on Iran.
"The U.S. has also deployed an additional dozen F-15E aircraft to the region to increase strike aircraft numbers," officials said.
A destroyer with missile defense systems has been positioned near Israel, with three additional destroyers en route to the area.
The aircraft carrier USS Lincoln is expected to arrive by mid-week. Dozens of transport aircraft are simultaneously unloading military equipment at various locations.
The commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards threatened a harsh response if Iran is attacked. However, Supreme Leader Khamenei has ordered the activation of communication channels with the United States between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Steve Witkoff, Trump's envoy to the region.
Witkoff stated that Iran is interested in dialogue. However, the U.S. announced the imposition of 25% tariffs on entities trading with Tehran.
Trump claimed he prevented 800 executions in Iran last week and warned of a severe military response. Tehran's Prosecutor General denied the claim regarding cancelled executions.
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