Iran War: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Survives Airstrike, Reportedly Living Underground

Iran - Ekhbary News Agency

Ahmadinejad Survives Airstrike Amidst Chaos, Potential Underground Existence

Conflicting reports have surfaced regarding the fate of former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad following a significant airstrike on his residence in Tehran. Initial global media coverage suggested the 69-year-old was killed during the attack, which coincided with the commencement of what has been termed the "Iran War." State news agency Ilna had reported that Ahmadinejad was at his home in the eastern part of the capital, surrounded by numerous bodyguards, at the time of the strike.

However, the narrative of the former president's demise was short-lived. Ahmadinejad's party, "Dolate Bahar" (The Freedom Party), swiftly issued a denial. A statement released on the party's website declared, "Dolate Bahar hereby announces that reports of Dr. Ahmadinejad's martyrdom in the American-Israeli attacks are false." This rapid refutation cast doubt on the initial information and reopened speculation about the true events.

Further complicating the situation, a recent investigation published by "The Atlantic" offers a distinctly different perspective. The US magazine posits that the attack might not have been aimed at killing Ahmadinejad directly, but rather could have been a "liberation action" or a targeted strike with a different objective, possibly focusing on his security detail. This interpretation aligns with the possibility that Ahmadinejad was not killed but managed to escape.

Historical and Political Context of Ahmadinejad

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad served as the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran from 2005 to 2013. Early in his tenure, he was perceived as a favorite of the ruling Shia clergy and the hardline conservatives in parliament, earning him significant support within the establishment. However, criticism of his policies mounted towards the end of his presidency. His hardline stance on nuclear policy triggered severe international sanctions, plunging Iran into a profound economic crisis.

Despite being considered a protégé of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Ahmadinejad evolved into an unpredictable opposition figure within the system towards the end of his presidency and beyond. His attempts to expand the powers of the elected president at the expense of the clergy led to a significant rift with the Supreme Leader. Consequently, he faced political marginalization in subsequent years, with the Guardian Council disqualifying him from presidential elections in 2017, 2021, and 2024.

An Uncertain Fate and Heightened Surveillance

The Iranian state appeared uncertain about how to manage Ahmadinejad, who is believed to possess sensitive information. In 2018, a former defense minister metaphorically described him as "the door of a mosque that cannot be burned or thrown away without setting the house of God itself on fire," alluding to his enduring significance and potential influence.

According to "The Atlantic," until January of this year, Ahmadinejad was reportedly guarded by only a few bodyguards. However, following the brutal crackdown on mass protests, the regime reportedly significantly increased his security detail to around 50 protectors. These individuals were likely tasked not only with his protection but also with monitoring his every move, as reports suggest his mobile phone was confiscated.

Escape into the Unknown?

The investigation suggests that the US-Israeli military strike primarily targeted the intensive security detail surrounding Ahmadinejad. Amidst the ensuing chaos, it is believed that Ahmadinejad managed to escape with his family into underground hideouts. Since then, the former president has only briefly resurfaced once to mourn the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Sr. His current whereabouts remain a mystery, with the Iranian regime apparently possessing no confirmed information about him.

Ekhbary News Agency