Massive anti-government demonstrations are rocking Iran amidst a crackdown by security forces. The United States has bolstered its naval presence with powerful vessels like the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln advancing towards the Middle East. Destroyers, armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles, stand at the ready. President Trump has warned Iran that US intervention might be necessary if the repression continues, escalating the fear of war.
This raises the question: Where exactly is Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's secret bunker or hidden refuge? Reports suggest Khamenei and his family are hiding in a deep underground bunker in the Lavizan area.
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Source: aajtak
What do we know about the Lavizan bunker?
Location: Lavizan, northeast of Tehran, is a military and nuclear research site with existing secret facilities.
Depth: Measuring between 90-100 meters deep, equipped with anti-bomb and anti-aircraft systems.
Security: Accompanied by his family, including his son Mojtaba, Khamenei is protected by a covert elite unit shielded even from the IRGC.
Historical use: During the Truce of Promise conflict with Israel in 2024-2025, they used this bunker and relocated here post-Israeli strikes in June 2025.
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Aged 86, Khamenei shifts bunkers often due to assassination fears. Allegedly, both the US and Israel know his whereabouts, but no major attacks have been executed. Trump previously mentioned knowledge of Khamenei's location but has opted not to target him, possibly in hopes of diplomatic resolutions.
Source: aajtak
Why is this bunker vital?
In the event of an American or Israeli assault, targeting Khamenei could dramatically alter the dynamics within Iran.
Previous strikes on Iranian nuclear sites such as Fordo haven't included Khamenei's bunkers.
During protests, the Supreme Leader's safety is crucial to maintaining regime stability.
This information is based on media reports from January 2026. The situation is rapidly evolving with US ships on the move and Iran preparing its missiles. Whether war can be averted or not remains uncertain.
