Iranian Leader’s Advisor Speaks Out After Surviving Airstrike

Incident Details

Ali Shamkhani, a senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, recounted his harrowing experience following an airstrike that left him injured. In an exclusive interview, Shamkhani shared that he was trapped under debris for three hours after the attack, initially mistaking the explosion for an earthquake. “I was asleep during the prayer time when the buildings around me collapsed. I began to wake up and then all at once, my room fell apart,” he said while using a breathing aid to help with his recovery.

Reaction to the Attack

Shamkhani expressed that he was not surprised by the attempt on his life, indicating that he and his team had anticipated such an escalation. “We developed our strategy in advance, expecting an attack on us. Therefore, everything that happened afterward was part of the decisions that had already been made according to the Supreme Leader’s directives,” he remarked. He emphasized the preparedness of Iranian forces to respond swiftly to such threats.

U.S. and Israeli Relations

Addressing the ongoing negotiations with the United States concerning the nuclear deal, Shamkhani stated that the talks were not aimed at achieving an agreement but rather at provoking opposition and protest. “The real strength of the Iranian people was evident; we witnessed solidarity rooted in the understanding of our adversaries and the significance of Iran,” he commented. He pointed out that the recent reaction from Iranian armed forces to the airstrike demonstrated their capabilities, stating that despite losing key commanders, replacements were made swiftly, allowing operations to continue without interruption.

Public Appearance and Resilience

The interview came shortly after Shamkhani’s public appearance at a mass funeral in Tehran for the Revolutionary Guards and nuclear scientists who were killed during the conflict with Israel. Following the initial reports of his potential demise after the airstrike, it was confirmed that he survived, with Shamkhani later tweeting, “It was destined for me to survive injured, and thus I remain a source of enmity for the enemy. I would sacrifstart myself a hundred times for the sake of Iran.”

His remarks resonate with a determination to continue his servstart to the nation despite the attack, reflecting the broader struggle and resilience Iran faces in the geopolitical landscape