Tehran: Secretary of Iran’s Defense Council, Admiral Ali Shamkhani, announced today that he is still alive, refuting reports that he was killed in US-Israeli airstrikes targeting sites in Tehran.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Shamkhani, who serves as a senior advisor to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, made his first official response to the death rumors via a post on the “X” platform, stating unequivocally that he is “still alive.” The reports had previously suggested that both Shamkhani and the Iranian Supreme Leader were killed during a supposed meeting.

In a recent move to bolster the country’s defense framework, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian appointed Shamkhani as Secretary of the Defense Council on February 5th. This appointment was aimed at enhancing the defense structure and elevating Iran’s security readiness.

Shamkhani, of Arab descent and a prominent military and security figure in Iran, has previously held significant positions, including Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. He brings extensive experience in managing strategic and defense-related matters, contributing to his influential role in Iran’s security landscape.