In a dramatic twist to a week of conflicting reports, Ali Shamkhani, a top aide to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, appeared on Iranian state television on Saturday, dispelling widespread rumors of his death in an Israeli airstrike earlier this month. The televised interview marked his first public appearance since the June 13 attack that reportedly targeted his residence.
📺 “I Did My Morning Prayer Under the Rubble”: Shamkhani Speaks Out
In a nine-minute interview aired by IRIB, Shamkhani revealed he had been trapped under debris for three hours following the Israeli strike on his home in Tehran.
“At first, I thought it was an earthquake. But when I heard the sound of vehicles, I realized it was not,” he said, adding that he performed his morning prayer while under the rubble.
His appearance came during a mass funeral in Tehran for dozens of Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists killed in the 12-day conflict with Israel, which ended in a US-Qatar brokered ceasefire on June 24.
🕊️ Conflicting Reports and Ceasefire Fragility
Initial reports from both Israeli and Iranian sources had confirmed Shamkhani’s death, fueling speculation and diplomatic tension. However, Iranian outlets including IRNA, Tasnim, and Fars later clarified that he had been severely injured but survived.
His reappearance is seen as a symbolic assertion of resilience by Iran’s leadership amid a fragile ceasefire that could unravel with any renewed hostilities.
🧠 Strategic Implications
- Shamkhani’s survival may reinvigorate Iran’s internal security apparatus, where he previously served as National Security Adviser
- His presence at the funeral signals continuity in Iran’s leadership despite the loss of several high-ranking officials
- The incident underscores the intelligence and precision capabilities of Israeli strikes, as well as the opacity of Iranian casualty reporting
Stay tuned for developments on the ceasefire and regional diplomacy.
