Alive, at the funeral of Iranian military officials and scientists killed by Israeli airstrikes, appeared Ali Shamkhani, one of the closest associates of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was previously believed to be dead.
Read: Mossad had infiltrated Iranian nuclear facilities “for years”
It should be recalled that the attack launched by Israel against Iran on June 13, 2025, with the so-called military campaign “Rising Lion,” left behind dozens of casualties, some of whom were top figures in the Islamic Republic’s military leadership and several scientists working on the country’s nuclear program. Both Iranian and Israeli media had reported the death of Ali Shamkhani as he was one of the “high-value targets” having served as secretary of Iran’s National Security Council for nearly a decade.
Ali Shamkhani played role in making Israel “miserable”
However, a video posted on social media shows Ali Shamkhani, visibly weakened and unable to walk upright, using a cane. Specifically, the “right hand” of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gave an interview revealing what he experienced during the Israeli attack, characteristically saying that he “was buried under the rubble for three hours after the attack” and that he “suffered serious injuries and several fractures.”
It is noted that the New York Times reports in a related article that Ali Shamkhani did not reveal why he became a target, but claimed that he played a role in making Israel “miserable.”
Full interview with Ali Shamkhani, former defense minister, head of the Supreme National Security Council, and key advisor to the SL on the nuclear file.
His framing was interesting. And the comment at 4.10.
If I have time I’ll fully translate to English later. pic.twitter.com/i7K4YwxxH3
— Alireza Talakoubnejad (@websterkaroon) June 28, 2025
“Three hours under the rubble”
Ali Shamkhani, senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, says he was trapped under his collapsed bedroom for three hours after an Israeli airstrike. Injured and barely able to breathe, Shamkhani remained conscious and turned to prayer. pic.twitter.com/baGxtj0hvK— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) July 1, 2025
