Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on June 15, 2025, while traveling to Zanjan for a religious ceremony. The incident involved a suspected act of vehicle sabotage that was intercepted by his security team moments before it could turn deadly. The event has not been officially confirmed by Tehran, and Ahmadinejad’s current location remains undisclosed.
The convoy was en route to a Muharram mourning event when the lead vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser, began exhibiting mechanical issues. The air conditioning system, which had already been flagged for repair two days earlier, failed again. Ahmadinejad’s chief security officer noticed the malfunction and immediately instructed the former president to switch vehicles. That decision likely saved his life.
The compromised SUV, now carrying bodyguards and aides, lost control shortly after. It collided with another vehicle in the convoy and came to a halt after striking a second car. No fatalities were reported, but the sequence of events raised immediate suspicion. The vehicle had been sent for repairs earlier in the week, but instead of returning from a certified garage, it was reportedly taken by unidentified security agents to an undisclosed location. The car was returned with assurances that the issue had been resolved. It had not.
The sabotage theory is supported by the timing and the mechanical failure pattern. The air conditioning system was the only component reported as faulty, yet it triggered a chain reaction that disabled the vehicle mid-transit. The fact that the vehicle was diverted from its original repair path and handled by unknown agents adds weight to the theory of deliberate tampering.
The incident was not reported to authorities until five days later. Iranian state media has not acknowledged the event, and no official statement has been issued by Ahmadinejad’s office. His last public appearance was in early June, and he has not posted on social media since April.
Ahmadinejad, who served as president from 2005 to 2013, had recently re-entered the political spotlight following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi. He registered to run in the upcoming election but was disqualified by the Guardian Council. His exclusion and continued public presence have made him a polarizing figure within Iran’s political structure.
The broader context is critical. The incident occurred amid escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. In recent weeks, multiple high-ranking Iranian officials and military commanders have been killed in targeted strikes. The Israeli government has not commented on Ahmadinejad’s case, and no group has claimed responsibility.
Ahmadinejad’s current whereabouts are unknown. His security team has reportedly relocated him to a secure location. The investigation into the vehicle sabotage remains internal, with no public disclosure of findings or suspects.
Sources