Iran’s Missing Mullah: Khamenei Skips Talks, Hides as U.S. Hits Nuclear Sites

Iran’s elusive "Supreme Leader," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, dodged a diplomatic dance with the U.S. in Turkey last week, only to vanish into a bunker as American forces hammered Iran’s nuclear sites over the weekend.

President Donald Trump leaned on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to broker high-stakes talks in Istanbul, aiming to cool tensions in the Israel-Iran conflict and hammer out a nuclear deal. Trump even floated sending Vice President JD Vance or showing up himself to meet Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. But when Iranian officials tried to get Khamenei’s blessing, the ayatollah was nowhere to be found, leaving the meeting dead in the water.

As diplomacy fizzled, Trump unleashed what he called a "very successful attack" on three key Iranian nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. Khamenei, reportedly holed up in a secret bunker, has cut off electronic contact with his commanders, relaying orders through a single aide to avoid assassination risks. His social media, usually buzzing with posts, has gone eerily silent since the strikes.

Trump didn’t hold back, warning Khamenei last week: “We know exactly where he’s hiding,” but added, “we’re not taking him—at least not yet.” The president stressed that Iran’s missile attacks on civilians and U.S. troops were testing America’s patience.

Iran analyst Leila Daftari argues diplomacy with Tehran was always a long shot. “This regime’s built on ‘Death to America’ and ‘Israel,’” she said. “Khamenei’s disappearing act just proves they’re not serious about peace. Trump’s precise strikes send a message: no nukes, or else.”