Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad survived an assassination attempt
Reports circulating on social media and some regional outlets suggesting that former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was assassinated—allegedly by Israeli intelligence—are false, according to multiple official and independent sources.
Ahmadinejad, who served as Iran’s president from 2005 to 2013, was reportedly the target of an attempted assassination in Tehran.
According to preliminary information, members of his security detail identified sabotage to his vehicle and were able to intervene in time to prevent what could have been a deadly attack.
He was traveling with his wife and two sons at the time.
All are reportedly unharmed.
Rumors quickly escalated following a reported Israeli airstrike in central Tehran, which was followed by a series of underground explosions.
These events sparked intense speculation that Ahmadinejad had been killed in an underground facility as part of a targeted operation by Israeli intelligence agency Mossad.
Several unverified claims even suggested he, along with his family, had been killed at point-blank range in their car.
However, Iranian officials have not confirmed any such assassination, and no credible evidence has been presented to support claims that Ahmadinejad was eliminated in a targeted strike.
Official Iranian media have not reported his death, and no statement has been released by his family or office.
The situation in Tehran remains tense amid increasing hostilities between Iran and Israel, marked by a series of alleged airstrikes and retaliatory operations.
While Israeli military actions in the region have intensified, there has been no official confirmation linking any specific operation to an attempt on Ahmadinejad’s life.
The United States is closely monitoring developments, with analysts warning that the regional conflict may escalate further in the coming days.
Authorities continue to investigate the attempted sabotage of Ahmadinejad’s vehicle, while intelligence agencies assess the broader implications of recent strikes in Tehran.
As of now, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is alive, and reports of his assassination remain unsubstantiated.
Indian police confirmed Tuesday that Sajid Akram, one of the two gunmen responsible for Sunday’s deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, was an Indian citizen who emigrated from India nearly three decades ago.
Akram and his son, Naveed Akram, allegedly opened fire on attendees at the “Chanukah by the Sea” celebration, killing 15 people and injuring several others.
In a statement, police in India’s southern state of Telangana said Sajid Akram was originally from Hyderabad and migrated to Australia in November 1998 in search of employment.
“Based on information available from family members in India, Sajid Akram maintained minimal contact with his relatives in Hyderabad over the past 27 years,” the statement said.
Authorities noted that Akram returned to India on six occasions following his migration, primarily for family-related matters such as property issues and visits to elderly parents.
Police added that he did not return to India even at the time of his father’s death.
Indian officials emphasized that there were no adverse records or criminal history associated with Akram during his time in India.
Family members told investigators they were unaware of any extremist views, radical activity, or behaviors that might have suggested violent tendencies.
“The factors that led to the radicalisation of Sajid Akram and his son appear to have no connection with India or any local influence in Telangana,” the police statement said.
Australian immigration records list Naveed Akram, 24, as an Australian citizen, according to authorities.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as an act of terrorism and stated that investigators believe the suspects were motivated by Islamic State ideology, with the intent of instilling fear within Australia’s Jewish community.
He announced plans to pursue stronger gun control measures, noting that the older suspect legally possessed a firearms license for recreational hunting.
Authorities and community leaders have begun publicly identifying victims of the attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration meant to mark the beginning of the Jewish holiday.
Those confirmed deceased include religious leaders, community volunteers, elderly residents, a retired police officer, a young immigrant, and a child.
Among the victims identified so far are:
- Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, assistant rabbi of Chabad of Bondi
- Rabbi Yaakov Halevi Levitin, 53, Chabad emissary and Sydney Beth Din secretary
- Alex Kleytman, 87, a Ukrainian Holocaust survivor
- Dan Elkayam, 27, a recent immigrant from France
- Reuven Morrison, 62, who reportedly attempted to confront the attackers unarmed
- Matilda Britvan, 10, who attended the event with her family
- Tibor Weitzen, 78, remembered for protecting others
- Peter Meagher, 61, a retired police officer and volunteer photographer
- Marika Pogany, 82, a longtime community volunteer
- Boris Gurman, 69, and Sofia Gurman, 61, a married couple who reportedly attempted to disarm one of the attackers, actions believed to have saved lives
Officials said additional victim names may be released as the investigation continues and families are formally notified.
Police identified the alleged attackers as Sajid Akram, who was killed at the scene, and his son Naveed Akram, who remains hospitalized in critical condition under police guard.
Video circulating online appears to show two men dressed in dark clothing firing long guns from an elevated footbridge behind the surf club as crowds fled in panic.
This remains an active and developing investigation. Authorities in Australia and India continue to coordinate as officials seek to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the attack and its radicalization pathway.
May the victims’ memories be honored and their families supported during this time of profound loss.