Iran rejects ‘fictional narratives’ of power grab after protest killings
Al Jazeera
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Iran has dismissed reports claiming that former President Hassan Rouhani attempted to seize power during last month's nationwide protests, labeling such narratives as "purely fictional" and part of an effort to tarnish its international image. The Iranian embassy in Paris rejected a French media report suggesting Rouhani, along with influential figures like Mohammad Javad Zarif and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders, plotted to overthrow Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. State-run media described the claims as false and speculative, emphasizing that they stem from foreign sources aiming to destabilize Iran through psychological operations.
The reports in question allege that Rouhani's plan to replace Khamenei was foiled after security chief Ali Larijani refused support, following mass killings during anti-establishment protests. While some reformist leaders were briefly detained earlier this month, the embassy clarified that their arrests were linked to statements made during the unrest, not an attempted coup. Reformists, including former President Mohammad Khatami and Mir Hossein Mousavi, have called for significant political reforms, with Mousavi's recent statement declaring the "game is over" and urging a peaceful transition away from the Islamic Republic.
Despite these challenges, Iran's Supreme Leader has labeled the protests as a "coup" orchestrated to serve US and Israeli interests. Meanwhile, student demonstrations have resumed in Tehran and other major cities, marking a fresh wave of activism following the reopening of universities after January's nationwide unrest. The situation underscores ongoing tensions within Iran's political landscape and highlights the external pressures faced by the regime, making it a critical issue for global observers tracking Middle Eastern politics and US-Iran relations.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/25/2026