Khamenei bunker reportedly included blast - resistant room as missile protection

What Happened

Iran International reported on April 3, 2025, that architectural plans from an informed source, confirmed by a security source, reveal that former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's underground bunker complex in central Tehran included a blast-resistant room. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps began construction in 2009 with Khamenei’s approval, financing it through the Khatam al-Anbiya Construction Headquarters. The complex, adjacent to Khamenei’s official residence, featured a car-accessible entrance descending to a depth of 30 meters, a 27-meter tunnel linking to escape routes, and a second tunnel to a parking garage near Enghelab Square. The plans also showed a five-story underground office complex for senior officials. In early March 2025, the Israel Defense Forces targeted the bunker using intelligence from IDF units 8200 and 9900, deploying 50 aircraft and over 100 munitions. Khamenei was killed during these opening strikes of Operation Roaring Lion, though he was at a different command complex at the time.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The killing of Khamenei, a central figure in Iran's political and proxy network, is a critical escalation in the Iran-Israel shadow war. It could trigger a succession crisis in Tehran and prompt retaliatory strikes by Iran-aligned groups across the region, while also demonstrating Israel’s deep intelligence penetration and strike capability against hardened targets.

Watch For

Iran's formal announcement of Khamenei's death and the succession process; potential activation of Iran's proxy forces in Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, or Syria; Israeli readiness for retaliation; and international diplomatic reactions, particularly from the U.S. and E3.