US Attack on Iran Fails as Ahmadinejad, Reported Dead, Is Still Alive

Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been reported to be alive. Iran International exclusive: The site said Ahmadinejad is alive after an assassination attempt, citing a source familiar with the information on Tuesday, reported on Thursday 5 March 2026. The source said Ahmadinejad was not injured and has been moved to a safe location.

Over the weekend, amid Israeli attacks, Iranian media published contradictory reports on Ahmadinejad’s fate. Some outlets said he had died, while others could not confirm the claims.

Quoting Anadolu, Ahmadinejad is said to be alive and unhurt despite the joint US-Israeli strike targeting Iran’s senior leadership and military infrastructure. The Turkish outlet cited a close aide.

‘I’m in touch with him. He’s fine,’ said the adviser, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

‘A building connected to his security detail was hit,’ he added.

‘Three of his guards – members of the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) – were killed,’ he said.

‘His own residence remained unaffected and was not a target, located about 100 metres from the building.’

Earlier, Ahmadinejad served as Iran’s president from 2005 to 2013. His bid to run for president a third time in 2017 was rejected on constitutional grounds.

After leaving office, Ahmadinejad was appointed as a member of the Expediency Discernment Council by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in 2013. He had previously served as Mayor of Tehran from 2003 to 2005.