Feb 28, 2026, 1:26 p.mFeb 28, 2026, 1:26 p.m
Satellite images show a cloud of black smoke and extensive damage to the secure compound of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, in Tehran. This reports, among other things the New York Times.
Image: airbus via new york times
Ali Khamenei’s whereabouts are currently unclear. The image, apparently taken by Airbus on Saturday morning, shows a partially destroyed building in the complex that normally serves as Khamenei’s residence as well as a headquarters for housing senior officials.
We obtained the first known satellite image of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s compound in Tehran. There are several destroyed buildings. While the current whereabouts of Iran’s supreme leader are unknown, the compound is generally used as his official residence. : @Airbus pic.twitter.com/48krjclMBL
— Christiaan Triebert (@trbrtc) February 28, 2026
According to the Iranian version, “important statesmen” are still alive – although Khamenei is not mentioned.
In addition to President Massoud Peseschkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf and the Secretary General of the Security Council, Ali Larijani, are also in good health. Justice chief Gholam-Hussein Mohseni-Edschehi is also alive.
There were initially no reports about the whereabouts of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In view of the military tensions, he had rarely appeared in public in recent weeks. The state may have made its safety its top priority. (lak, with material from sda/dpa)