Daughter reveals her father was chased down by Israeli agents, not killed in airstrike
- Mahdieh Shadmani claims her father, general Ali Shadmani, died in a street chase with Israeli agents.
- The official Iranian narrative stated he was killed by an Israeli airstrike on June 17.
- If verified, this revelation could deeply embarrass Iran's security services and indicate Israeli operatives' significant freedom in Tehran.
In June 2023, following the death of Iranian general Ali Shadmani, significant controversy arose regarding the circumstances of his demise. Mahdieh Shadmani, his daughter, publicly stated that her father's death resulted from a direct pursuit by Israeli agents rather than an Israeli airstrike, which was the official narrative. She shared this information in a video posted to Instagram, contradicting Tehran's accounts and suggesting a deeper issue within Iran's security protocols. The general, who was the head of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, reportedly died on June 17. While Iranian state media attributed his death to injuries from an Israeli airstrike, Mahdieh insisted that he was subjected to targeted actions on the ground. She emphasized that her father had implemented strict security measures, frequently changing locations without relying on modern smart devices that could betray his position. This revelation raises important questions about the effectiveness of Iran's intelligence and military systems, especially considering the implications that Israeli agents could operate with significant freedom in Tehran. Furthermore, it serves as an embarrassment to Iranian authorities who have struggled with maintaining control over security narratives during a tumultuous period marked by conflicts in the region. Such operations highlight ongoing tensions and the fear of international assassinations that plague Iran. The response to Mahdieh's statements has been mixed, garnering both support and backlash within Iranian society, particularly among regime loyalists who are wary of criticisms that undermine official accounts of events. This incident not only reflects the ongoing struggle between Iran and Israel but also illustrates the implications of military dynamics in the region, particularly the threats faced by military leaders amidst widespread geopolitical conflicts.