Iran security chief: “Several US troops captured” … US denies as “spreading falsehoods”

Korea Economic Daily

Summary

Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, said he received reports that several US soldiers were captured in a neighboring country.
Larijani said the United States is lying by claiming the captured US soldiers were killed in action.
US Central Command said the Iranian regime is using every means to spread falsehoods and deceive, adding this case is another example.

Forecast Trend Report by Period

*Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council / Photo=X*

Ali Larijani, Iran’s top security official and secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, claimed that US soldiers have been taken prisoner.

On the 8th (local time), Larijani wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “I have received reports that several American soldiers have been captured,” adding, “However, the United States claims they were killed in action.” He added, “The truth cannot be hidden for long,” accusing the US of lying.

The UK outlet the Mirror also reported Larijani’s claim in its US edition. In a statement sent to Iran’s semi-official ISNA news agency, Larijani said, “I heard news that several US soldiers were captured in a neighboring country.”

He did not provide specific details, such as the number of captives or how they were taken alive.

Larijani is currently the transitional power holder overseeing Iran’s military and security affairs and has been mentioned as one of the contenders to succeed Iran’s Supreme Leader. He, who had enjoyed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s trust, is said to have been delegated state affairs by Khamenei ahead of this airstrike.

US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees US operations in the Middle East, denied the claim. CENTCOM spokesperson Tim Hawkins said, “The Iranian regime is using every means to spread lies and deceive,” adding, “This matter is another example.”

Ko Jeong-sam, Hankyung.com reporter jsk@hankyung.com