According to Noor News, a publication linked to Iranian security forces, the last meeting in Ali Khamenei’s office before his death in February focused on preparations for potential mass protests and responses to possible attacks by the US and Israel.
In a report published on Friday, Noor News stated that the strike that killed Khamenei and several high-ranking military commanders occurred not during a full meeting of Iran’s Defense Council, but during the work of a subordinate committee chaired by its secretary.
Preparation for potential threats
According to Noor News, this committee was chaired by Ali Shamkhani. Its members discussed implementing a comprehensive plan involving resources, personnel, structures, and equipment to address possible protests, as well as assessing the scenario of a potential attack by the US and Israel against Iran.
The publication claims that the Iranian leadership viewed the situation as a “multi-layered threat”, combining the risk of an external military strike with internal unrest. Consequently, preparation for both scenarios became a top priority. According to Noor News, the need for such measures increased significantly after the nationwide protests in January 2026.
According to Noor News, Ali Khamenei rejected a proposal to transfer responsibility for this plan to the secretariat of the Supreme National Security Council, instead tasking Ali Shamkhani with personally overseeing its implementation. The publication also claims that Khamenei and Shamkhani emphasized the importance of minimizing civilian and protester casualties, leading to the development of new equipment and procedures for managing mass gatherings.
Consequences of the January protests
The January protests were sparked by rising prices, the collapse of the national currency, and widespread public discontent with the authorities. What began as economic demonstrations quickly escalated into a nationwide political crisis, prompting the authorities to implement internet shutdowns, mass arrests, and violent suppression of the protests.
Meanwhile, according to Iran International, during the crackdown on 8 and 9 January, security forces killed more than 36,500 people. The publication notes that this estimate is based on secret government documents and other materials reviewed by its editorial team.
According to Noor News, the strike on the meeting location began precisely during the committee’s work. As a result of the attack, the publication claims, Ali Shamkhani and several high-ranking military commanders were killed. According to its information, the meeting was focused on preparing for simultaneous external military threats and possible internal unrest.
Ali Khamenei was killed on February 28 in the early hours of the war between the US and Israel against Iran. Reports indicate he was killed in a coordinated airstrike on a secure complex in Tehran, part of a broader operation targeting the country’s military-political leadership. Later, satellite images revealed significant destruction at the complex. Khamenei, who had led Iran since 1989, was 86 years old. Following his death, the Assembly of Experts appointed his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the new Supreme Leader.
Source: Iran International
