Ali Shamkhani, a close advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, recounted his experience during the initial hours of the 12-day conflict between Tehran and Tel Aviv. His home was targeted in a preemptive Israeli airstrike on June 13.
"Initially, I thought it was an earthquake," Shamkhani said in a June 28 interview. "I was trapped under the debris for 3 hours before I heard the sound of cars. That's when I realized Israel had targeted me, because cars wouldn't be able to move on Tehran's streets after an earthquake."
Shamkhani remained calm and focused on survival. "I was aware of the situation and tried to find a way out. I wasn't afraid," he stated, adding that past threats had prepared him for such a scenario.
He confirmed that he, his wife, and son were injured in the airstrike, but dismissed Israeli claims that he had lost a leg. Shamkhani said he knew why Israel had targeted him but couldn't disclose the reason yet. "I taught them a painful lesson," he added.
Shamkhani emphasized the need for Iran to remain vigilant and prepared for threats, urging military development and cautioning against relying on negotiations with the US. He said Tehran recognized from the outset that indirect talks with Washington weren't genuinely aimed at reaching an agreement.
He stressed that Iranian leadership was fully prepared for any scenario, noting that all actions were carried out according to a pre-determined plan. "This reflects Iran's military and security stability in the face of any escalation of tension," Shamkhani said.
On June 28, Shamkhani attended the funeral of 60 military commanders and scientists killed during the 12-day conflict with Israel. This was his first public appearance since the conflict began.
IRINN, a channel affiliated with Iran's national broadcaster IRIB, reported in mid-June that Shamkhani had been killed in the initial Israeli attack on June 13. Israeli media later echoed this report.
However, several major Iranian news agencies, including IRNA, Tasnim, and Fars News, confirmed on June 20 that Shamkhani was "seriously injured, hospitalized, and in stable condition."
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Ali Shamkhani during an interview on Iranian television on June 28. Photo: Kurdistan24 |
Ali Shamkhani during an interview on Iranian television on June 28. Photo: Kurdistan24
Shamkhani has held senior positions in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Iranian Ministry of Defense. He served as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council from 2013 to 2023, and later as a member of the Expediency Discernment Council appointed by the Supreme Leader, a position considered more powerful than his advisory role to Khamenei.
Known for his foreign policy dealings with the US and Europe, Shamkhani recently played a key advisory role in nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington. However, these talks stalled due to the Israeli airstrikes.
The conflict erupted on June 13 when Israel launched a preemptive airstrike campaign against Iran, codenamed "Operation Roaring Lion," killing several high-ranking commanders and nuclear scientists. Iran retaliated with "Operation True Promise 3." The fighting resulted in 627 deaths and over 5,300 injuries in Iran, and 28 deaths and over 2,500 injuries in Israel.
Iran and Israel agreed to a ceasefire on June 24, with both sides claiming victory.
Thuy Lam (According to Press TV, Shafaq News, CNN)
