Khamenei's House Destroyed; Smoke Rises Over Tehran: Apparent Strike Near Ayatollah Khamenei's Compound Signals Escalating Crisis

Tehran, February 27, 2026 - Thick black smoke billowed over parts of Iran's capital on Friday, fueling speculation of a direct strike or attack near the heavily fortified compound of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Social media footage circulating widely showed dense plumes rising against the city skyline, prompting claims from opposition figures and analysts that the heart of the Islamic Republic's power structure may have come under assault.

The video, shared by prominent AI researcher and commentator Dr. Eli David on X (formerly Twitter), depicted dramatic scenes of smoke enveloping a Tehran street. While the footage remains unverified by independent sources, it aligns with a wave of reports suggesting intensified internal and external pressure on the regime. Dr. David captioned the clip as showing the "destruction of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's residence," amid what he described as escalating unrest in the country.

The timing comes amid heightened tensions. Just days earlier, the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (MEK), a long-standing opposition group, claimed responsibility for clashes with Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) forces around Khamenei's headquarters on February 23. Reports from outlets like Breitbart and Just the News detailed "heavy clashes" in Tehran, with the MEK asserting significant casualties on both sides. Iranian opposition accounts on X amplified these claims, posting images and statements portraying the regime as increasingly vulnerable and isolated.

Witness accounts and emerging media coverage describe a chaotic atmosphere in the capital. Some reports indicate roads leading to Khamenei's downtown compound were abruptly closed by authorities, with additional explosions heard in various districts. While no official Iranian statement has confirmed damage to the supreme leader's residence or his personal safety, state media has remained largely silent on the specific incident depicted in the viral video.

The visuals have sparked intense online debate. Pro-opposition users hailed the smoke as evidence of a crumbling regime, with some calling for broader international support for internal resistance movements. Others questioned the authenticity of the footage, noting that similar smoke plumes have appeared in unrelated incidents in Iran in recent weeks. One post even suggested an editing error inserted unrelated black smoke at the start of a clip.

Broader context points to mounting challenges for the Islamic Republic. The MEK's reported operation, combined with ongoing domestic discontent and regional pressures, has raised questions about the regime's grip on power. Khamenei, now 86 and rarely seen in public recently, has not issued any public comment on the reported events. Sources close to the leadership have not confirmed his location, though some unverified claims suggest he may have been moved to a secure site outside Tehran.

As of February 27, no major international actor - including Israel or the United States - has claimed responsibility for any strike on the compound. However, the imagery has intensified speculation about potential covert operations or escalated internal sabotage. Analysts warn that any confirmed attack on such a symbolic center of authority could trigger unpredictable responses, both domestically and across the region.

For now, the smoke over Tehran serves as a stark visual symbol of uncertainty. Whether it marks a turning point in Iran's long-simmering power struggle or proves to be another unconfirmed flashpoint remains unclear. What is evident is that the regime faces scrutiny and pressure from multiple fronts, with the Iranian people and global observers watching closely for the next development.