Fierce Fighting Erupts Near Supreme Leader’s Complex
In Tehran, intense clashes broke out near the headquarters of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the highly secure Motahari Complex on Monday, February 23, 2026. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that it successfully repelled an attempted offensive by the opposition group People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), resulting in heavy losses for the fighters.
The Motahari Complex — one of the most fortified government sectors in the city — houses Khamenei’s main office as well as key institutions including the Guardian Council, the Assembly of Experts, the Supreme National Security Council, and central offices of the judiciary and intelligence services.
IRGC Claims Dozens of MEK Fighters Neutralized
According to statements from Iranian security sources, IRGC forces killed or arrested at least 100 combatants associated with the MEK during the fierce confrontation near the compound. The IRGC described the operation as a thwarted terrorist attempt, emphasizing that no significant breach of security occurred.
The MEK, meanwhile, acknowledged the encounter but reported that over 150 fighters safely withdrew to their bases, though it also confirmed heavy casualties and detentions. The group shared that it has forwarded names of those killed, wounded, or detained to international human rights organizations and the United Nations Special Rapporteur.
Timeline and Nature of the Assault
The MEK said the operation began early Monday morning during the call to prayer and continued into the afternoon. Multiple hours of exchange between insurgents and IRGC forces resulted in significant gunfire and chaos around the fortified zone. While the specific number of dead or arrested fighters remains unverified independently, both sides’ statements suggest a major confrontation in the heart of Tehran.
Eyewitnesses in the area reported seeing heavy security deployment, ambulances, and IRGC personnel throughout the day as authorities sealed off roads and cordoned the district.
Regional and Political Implications
The clashes mark one of the highest-profile armed confrontations in Tehran’s recent history, occurring close to the nerve center of Iranian political power. Analysts warn that the battle could intensify ongoing political tensions within Iran and heighten concerns among Western and regional stakeholders about domestic stability.
Although the government dismissed claims of foreign involvement, the MEK reiterated that external intelligence assistance may have played a role — a claim that cannot be independently substantiated at this time.
