CIA Tracked Khamenei’s Location Before Israeli Strike: NYT

Sunday, 01 March 2026 | Web Desk

A new investigative report by The New York Times has revealed dramatic details about how Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei became a direct target in Israeli airstrikes.

According to report, the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) had identified what was considered the “most critical target” shortly before the operation — the precise location of Khamenei inside Tehran.

Sources familiar with the operation told the newspaper that the CIA had been monitoring Khamenei’s movements and residences for several months. Over time, intelligence assessments reportedly became increasingly accurate and actionable.

High-Level Meeting, a Key Intelligence Breakthrough

The report states that shortly before the strike on Iran, US intelligence agencies received information that a crucial meeting of senior Iranian officials would take place Saturday morning at a compound in central Tehran.

The most significant detail: Ayatollah Khamenei himself was expected to attend the meeting.

Following this development, US and Israeli officials reportedly decided to adjust the timing of the planned strike to capitalize on what was described as a “golden opportunity.”

This intelligence breakthrough ultimately led to the deadly operation that resulted in the reported killing of Khamenei and several senior Iranian officials.

US-Israel Intelligence Coordination Played Critical Role

According to The New York Times, the speed and precision of the strike reflected close coordination and intelligence sharing between the United States and Israel.

The operation was reportedly months in planning. Initially, the strike was intended to take place under cover of darkness. However, once intelligence confirmed Khamenei’s presence at the Tehran compound, the timing was altered to maximize impact.

Israeli forces executed the operation based on combined American and Israeli intelligence assessments, the report said.

Iranian Leadership Failed to Take Preventive Measures

Despite growing signs of possible military escalation, Iranian leadership allegedly failed to implement sufficient protective measures, according to the newspaper’s analysis.

Security experts say the incident underscores:

• The depth of US intelligence penetration
• Advanced surveillance capabilities
• Strategic US-Israel operational alignment
• Iran’s potential internal security vulnerabilities

Wider Regional Implications

The reported targeting of Iran’s Supreme Leader marks one of the most significant geopolitical developments in the Middle East in recent years.

If confirmed, the operation could reshape regional security dynamics and significantly escalate tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States.

Officials in Tehran have not publicly detailed the full security breakdown that allowed such an operation to take place.