French newspaper Le Figaro has published a controversial report claiming there was an internal plot to remove Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. According to sources, former President Hassan Rouhani and Javad Zarif held a secret meeting to strip Khamenei of his crisis management powers just before the bloody crackdown on protests. The plan reportedly failed due to opposition from Ali Larijani.
The report suggests the move was intended to save the regime from collapse by sidelining Khamenei. Following the alleged plot’s failure, Rouhani and Zarif were said to be placed under house arrest for several days, with their allies detained. However, Zarif’s office has previously denied rumors of his arrest, labeling them as media fabrications during a time of national mourning.
Simultaneously, The New York Times reports that Khamenei has entrusted Ali Larijani with ensuring the regime’s survival amid war threats. These conflicting narratives highlight deep fractures within Iran’s ruling elite. As tensions with the US and Israel rise, the internal power struggle in Tehran appears to be intensifying alongside external pressures.
Le Figaro reports alleged plot to oust Khamenei before protests
