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Dead or alive? The fog of war and the high-stakes disappearance of Mojtaba Khamenei, Ali Larijani, and Netanyahu

Khamenei Mojtaba Khamenei Ali Larijani Netanyahu US Israel Iran AI Middle East tags :
Dead or alive? The fog of war and the high-stakes disappearance of Mojtaba Khamenei, Ali Larijani, and Netanyahu
Mojtaba Khamenei is not in Moscow, no public appearance since his election as Supreme Leader of Iran — Series of questions and rumors regarding the Prime Minister of Israel after AI videos

Another thriller has been unfolding over the last few hours regarding the ongoing war in the wider Middle East region. Israel claims that Ali Larijani, one of the most powerful political figures in Iran, was killed during an air strike carried out in the early morning hours. At the same time, Iran, in an attempt to refute the Israeli claims, released a written message from Larijani dated today. Similar scenarios existed in previous days for both the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the new Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei. The question that reasonably arises is how far the propaganda war goes and what is ultimately the reality and truth that Israel and Iran are trying to hide. Some experts point out that with this strategy, both sides are trying to protect their political leaders from counter-intelligence and agents, minimizing the chances of their location and assassination—though the more suspicious do not rule out the scenario of their elimination. In any case, the boundaries between reality and virtual reality have become increasingly blurred.

Thriller with Larijani

The latest thriller involves the elimination of Ali Larijani, the head of Iran's National Security Council. Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Larijani is dead, a claim also confirmed by the Israeli military, the IDF. The IDF announced on Tuesday, March 17, that it carried out a strike at the location where the secretary of Iran's National Security Council, Ali Larijani—often called the "grey cardinal" and considered one of the most influential figures in the Islamic Republic—was located. The IDF statement said Larijani "functioned as the de facto leader of Iran's terrorist regime" following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. "For years, Larijani was considered one of the most senior and experienced figures in the leadership of the Iranian regime and was a close associate of the regime's leader, Ali Khamenei," the IDF announcement stated.

Almost certainly dead

Israeli "Channel 12," citing sources, claims that Larijani was almost certainly killed during the attack, as he had no chance of survival. According to an Israeli official, Larijani was due to arrive at one of his shelters in the early hours of Tuesday, March 17, which was subsequently struck. "He was at the scene with his son and was attacked. There was no chance he could survive this attack," said an anonymous Israeli official. As announced by the Israeli military and consequently the Israeli media, the commander of the Basij paramilitary forces, Gholamreza Soleimani, was also killed along with Larijani, as well as other high-ranking members of that force, including the leader of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Akram al-Ajouri.1_952.jpg

New post on Larijani's accounts

However, while the Israelis were announcing Larijani's death, a new post appeared on his page on the social network X. A handwritten letter dated today—March 17—was published, expressing condolences to the families of Iranian sailors who were killed. In his message, Larijani wrote: "The martyrdom of the brave members of the Navy of the Army of the Islamic Republic in Dena is part of the sacrifices of the proud nation that emerged in this period of struggle against international oppressors. Their memory will remain forever in the heart of the Iranian nation, and these martyrdoms will strengthen the foundations of the Army of the Islamic Republic for years to come within the structure of the armed forces." So far, there is no official confirmation or denial from the Iranian side regarding Larijani's death. If the information from the Israeli side proves accurate, it will be the largest targeted killing of Iranian leadership figures since February 28.

What is happening with Mojtaba Khamenei – He is not in Russia

Mystery also prevails regarding the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. Although reports suggested that 56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei had been moved to Moscow for medical treatment, as he was allegedly injured in the legs during the US-Israel air strike that resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, these are being denied. Specifically, as reported by the Russian news agency TASS, the Iranian ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, denied a report according to which the country's new Supreme Leader is receiving medical treatment in Moscow. It is recalled that the new Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, managed to escape death in an air strike on February 28 by leaving the building that was later hit by bombardment, according to the Telegraph. Mojtaba Khamenei is said to have suffered a slight leg injury, although there were reports even mentioning his... deformity.

Mojtaba Khamenei gives orders: No ceasefire with the US

While no one is certain where and in what condition Mojtaba Khamenei is, Reuters cites a senior Iranian official who claims that the new Supreme Leader rejected proposals for a de-escalation of tension and a ceasefire with the United States, demanding first that Israel and the US "get on their knees." The senior official, who asked not to be named, said two intermediary countries conveyed proposals to Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to "reduce tensions or cease fire with the United States." The official gave no further details about the proposals or the mediating countries. "Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who held the first meeting on foreign policy issues since being named supreme leader, replied that 'it is not the right time for peace until the United States and Israel kneel, accept defeat, and pay reparations,'" said the Iranian official. He did not specify whether Khamenei, who has not yet appeared publicly in photos since it was announced last week that he is replacing his assassinated father, participated in the meeting in person or remotely.2_1090.jpg

Netanyahu's appearances

While Israel announces the elimination of Larijani, it simultaneously attempts to answer the rumors circulating for days regarding the death of the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. In this context, they deemed it necessary to release a photo in which he appears to be giving the order for the elimination of Larijani. "Prime Minister Netanyahu gives the order to eliminate senior Iranian officials," reads the caption of the photo released by the office of the Prime Minister of Israel. This is a move, however, that comes to reinforce suspicions. Indeed, Netanyahu appeared in a video speaking about the elimination of Larijani, stating that in this way the people of Iran will have the opportunity to overthrow the regime.
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However, he admits that this is a process that will take time. "We are undermining the regime in the hope of giving the people the chance to overthrow it. This will not happen immediately and will not be easy. However, if we persist, we will enable them to take their fate into their own hands. We support our American allies in the Gulf. We will contribute both indirectly and through direct actions—there are still many surprises to come," he said characteristically.

The rumors

In recent days, information has circulated online that the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, may have been killed during the conflict with Iran. Some argued that the same happened with his son, Yair Netanyahu. After this information appeared in the media, a video was published featuring Netanyahu, which was later characterized as likely fake. In the frames, it was observed that the ring on the Prime Minister's finger disappeared and reappeared, suggesting the possible use of artificial intelligence. Subsequently, the Israeli side published a new video of Netanyahu, but internet users argued that this video was likely recorded earlier, at the latest by Sunday. In the images, the politician is near a cafe where the first video was also filmed and is wearing the same clothes.

Mysterious absence

In the last 24 hours, three clearly AI-generated videos of Netanyahu have seen the light of day, while his son, Yair Netanyahu, remains in absolute silence since March 8. At the same time, the Israeli Prime Minister himself is conspicuously absent from critical security meetings with associates and allies. However, one of the strongest signs that Netanyahu may no longer be with us is the complete absence of any scheduled appointment or discussion with global leaders—not even with Donald Trump. Not one.

"AI-generated"

The rumors were mainly fueled by the AI videos published on behalf of Israel. The involvement of Mossad and the disinformation strategy behind details like the "sixth finger" and the... "solid coffee" were uncovered, various analysts note. Professor of Digital Communication, Dr. Ali Murat Kırık, who analyzed the video during a live broadcast, pointed out the AI errors and stated: "I believe they leaked it intentionally. It is purely disinformation and an attempt at manipulation."

Israel released videos that raised suspicions instead of... shutting mouths

After claims that he was dead, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a video on March 15, which social media users later claimed was created with the help of artificial intelligence. Yesterday, March 16, he posted another video on his account to prove he is alive. Netanyahu shared a 90-second video in which he appears to be at an observation point in the Jerusalem Hills.

 

In the video, he wears the same clothes as in the previous video, and it is believed that this video was also filmed on March 15. "A world is being created that you won't believe even if you see it with your eyes and hear it with your ears," said Dr. Kırık, pointing out the dangerous dimensions AI has taken today. "A virtual world is beginning to emerge. We have already explained the threats and risks of artificial intelligence. This incident emerged as one that must be examined." The expert, pointing out the serious disinformation behind the images, explained the technical background: "There are three images here. One is in front of a blue screen, and the second is with a coffee mug. These are images created by transferring data from one point to another via the internet."4_385.JPG

 

5_294.JPGThe scandal with the 6th finger and the Green Screen trap

The expert who analyzed the contradictions in the video of Netanyahu's speech stated: "The flags are static, they are not real. We see that the background is completely 'Greenbox' (green screen). Because proper lighting was not used, digital distortions appear between the background and the person. Due to the low resolution of the image, the distortions are more intense, particularly in moving shots. Thus, the appearance of the sixth finger on the hand is created." Dr. Ali Murat Kırık, emphasizing that the image is not entirely fake but contains significant fabrications, stated: "This image is 98% real, with 2% AI. We can say it is neither purely real nor purely artificial intelligence."6_198.JPG

"Sinister Mossad plan and agenda disorientation"

Dr. Kırık pointed out that Mossad may have a reason for publishing this image. "They may have published it to manipulate things as they wish behind the scenes. While people are discussing whether he is alive or dead, whether this image is fake, much more satanic plans may be being constructed behind their backs," he characteristically stated. The expert revealed the dirty strategy: "Just when the debate of 'is he dead or alive' is happening, suddenly images of him drinking coffee are circulated."

"A piece of reality, a piece of AI"

Dr. Kırık, commenting on the technical data of the coffee video, stated: "In this image, we detected 94% reality and 6% artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence uses a coding language, 'Python', to create images. Whether the mug was moved or spilled, this could be due to an optical illusion or digital fabrication. However, what we must note are logical errors, such as the coffee not spilling despite the large movement of the mug."

Details that contradict the laws of physics

Dr. Kırık, who technically evaluated the images, added: "It is very difficult to explain this technically. Normally, when you tilt the glass, it should spill, but when the volume of the glass is structurally connected, i.e., when there is layer involvement, spilling may not occur." When he watched the fast version of the video, he highlighted the contradictions in the image, saying: "Look, he took the glass, but it doesn't seem to have spilled. However, the angle can mislead us. Also, he drank the coffee, but it didn't decrease; there is something on his lips."

"Netanyahu wouldn't be so relaxed in a cafe"

Pointing out Netanyahu's sensitivity regarding his security, Dr. Kırık said: "Netanyahu is the type of person who even closes the cameras on his mobile phone. I don't believe someone like him would be so relaxed drinking coffee in a cafe. Perhaps there is a lack of security, and he is pretending to drink it but actually isn't."7_146.JPG

The Face Swap method and more 'sophisticated' AI

Dr. Kırık, pointing out that a video similar to Netanyahu's, which is at the center of the controversy, was also made for the Iranian leader Khamenei, analyzed the two videos in parallel. The expert stated: "This is clearly an image created with artificial intelligence. They put Khamenei's video under Netanyahu's video and said 'Look, this is AI'. Here, a system called 'Face Swap' is used, meaning another image has been placed over the image of the person's face. The hand movements, gestures, and facial expressions are exactly the same, only the faces have changed," revealing the extent of the manipulation.

"Sinister digital manipulation campaign"

Dr. Kırık, who also referred to the errors of artificial intelligence, warned viewers about digital manipulation with the following words: "I believe they leaked it intentionally. The AI made a mistake while creating the sign on the mug. It distorted the 'F' in 'Sataf Cafe'. If you ask Google, it may say 'it's not AI' because different models are used for preparing these images. It is purely a campaign of disinformation and manipulation of public opinion."

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