Iran rejects ‘fictional narratives’ of power grab after protest killings

Al JazeeraEN 5 min read 100% complete by Maziar MotamediFebruary 25, 2026 at 06:56 PM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

Iranian authorities have refuted a French media report alleging that former President Hassan Rouhani attempted to seize power during recent nationwide protests. The report claimed Rouhani gathered influential figures to replace Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but Iran's embassy in Paris dismissed the claims as "fictional narratives" and a campaign to damage Iran's image. The report also stated that Rouhani and former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif were arrested following the deaths of protesters, a claim previously denied by both men. Rouhani's office has also rejected reports that he is positioning himself to replace Khamenei, attributing them to American and Israeli psychological operations. The authorities maintain that the reports lack credibility and are based on false information.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Paris 30% Mohammad Khatami 40% Ali Larijani ×260% Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) 60% Israel ×260% Mohammad Javad Zarif ×270% United States ×270% Ali Khamenei ×280% Hassan Rouhani ×790% Iran ×795%

Keywords

iran 100% power grab 90% protest killings 80% hassan rouhani 80% ali khamenei 70% islamic republic 60% false information 60% us 50% arrests 50% israel 40%