Tehran, June 29 (V7N) — Ali Shamkhani, the top advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has shared a gripping account of how he survived the recent Israeli airstrike that destroyed his home.

Speaking in an interview with state broadcaster IRIB, Shamkhani revealed that he was trapped under rubble for three hours following the June 13 attack, which targeted senior military commanders, scientists, and political figures. During this time, he said, unable to move, he performed the Fajr prayer, placing his trust in divine mercy.

Israel initially claimed that Shamkhani had been killed in the strike. Later, reports emerged suggesting he had been critically injured. However, he reappeared in public at the mass funeral for the slain Iranian commanders and scientists, dispelling rumors of his death.

Shamkhani, whose residence was completely demolished, described the moment the missiles hit. “At first, I thought it was an earthquake,” he recounted. “But soon I realized I was under attack.”

A veteran of Iran’s defense establishment, Shamkhani has served as Commander of the Iranian Navy, Minister of Defense, and Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, before becoming one of Khamenei’s most trusted advisors.

END/RH/AJ