Where is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei? Blasts heard near Iran's supreme leader's office as Israel, US target Tehran

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s office was targeted on Saturday as Israel and the United States ramp up their attack on Tehran. Iran’s state television acknowledged that the explosion occurred in the area where Khamenei’s office is located.

The explosion took place shortly after Reuters, citing an official, reported that Khamenei had left Tehran and been transferred to a secure location. The whereabouts of the Iranian supreme leader remain a secret.

The 86-year-old hasn’t been seen publicly in days amid the growing tensions between Iran and the United States. Washington joined hands with Israel in strikes against Iran, triggering wider West Asian tensions.

Tensions swirling in Iran

While the Iranian authorities said that the country’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, is safe, some reports say that his residence and intelligence headquarters were targeted during the attack. However, Iran has not officially confirmed these claims yet.

According to the Iranian news agency Fars, several missiles landed in Tehran’s University Street and Jomhuri area. Smoke was seen rising from different parts of the city. In a video message after the Iran strike, Trump encouraged the West Asian nation to rise up and change the regime.

“When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will probably be your only chance for generations,” the president said in the video address. He said that he was following through on an act his presidential predecessors had all stopped short of taking.

“For many years, you have asked for America’s help, but you never got it. No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. Now you have a president who is giving you what you want, so let’s see how you respond,” he said.

“America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force. Now is the time to seize control of your destiny and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close within your reach.” “This is the moment for action,” the president concluded. “Do not let it pass," he went on.