Iran Security Chief Warns of Potential “False Flag” Attack, References Epstein Network

Iranian Security Official Claims Plot for 9/11-Style Attack to Frame Tehran

In a dramatic escalation of rhetoric amid ongoing Middle Eastern tensions, a senior Iranian security official has claimed that associates of the late Jeffrey Epstein are conspiring to orchestrate a terrorist attack similar to 9/11 and blame it on Iran.

Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, made the explosive allegation in a post on the social media platform X. “I’ve heard that the remaining members of Epstein’s network have devised a conspiracy to create an incident similar to 9/11 and blame Iran for it,” Larijani wrote. He added that “Iran fundamentally opposes such terrorist schemes and has no war with the American people.”

The claim comes at a particularly volatile moment in the region, where confrontations between Iran, Israel, and the United States have intensified in recent months. Security analysts note that Larijani’s statement reflects the profound mistrust characterizing Iran’s relations with Western powers.

No evidence has been presented to support the allegation, and no intelligence agencies or government authorities have confirmed the existence of such a plot. U.S. officials have not issued any warnings related to the claim, and international security organizations have not validated these concerns.

Experts caution that such accusations often emerge during periods of heightened geopolitical tension and should be viewed skeptically without corroborating evidence. “These types of claims serve multiple purposes in information warfare,” said Dr. James Dorsey, a Middle East security analyst. “They can pre-emptively shift blame while also rallying domestic support.”

The Iranian official’s reference to Epstein appears calculated to leverage existing controversies. Epstein, who died in custody in 2019 while facing sex-trafficking charges, maintained relationships with numerous influential figures across business, politics, and academia. His connections with powerful individuals, including former U.S. presidents and business leaders, have fueled numerous conspiracy theories since his death.

Iranian state media has previously highlighted these connections while criticizing Western foreign policy, attempting to undermine U.S. credibility on the world stage.

The original September 11 attacks in 2001, carried out by 19 hijackers associated with Al-Qaeda, killed nearly 3,000 people when aircraft struck the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon outside Washington. A fourth plane crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers fought back against the hijackers. The attacks fundamentally transformed global security policies and sparked the U.S.-led “war on terror.”

A “false flag” operation, which Larijani’s accusation implies, refers to an attack conducted by one group but designed to appear as if another group is responsible. Such tactics have been alleged by various governments throughout history, particularly during conflicts or periods of intense diplomatic pressure.

Regional tensions have escalated significantly in recent months. Following attacks targeting Iranian leadership compounds earlier this year, Tehran responded with missile and drone strikes against Israeli positions and locations connected to U.S. forces across the Middle East.

The conflict has disrupted commercial air travel, international trade routes, and energy supplies throughout the region. Several countries have implemented airspace restrictions, leaving thousands of travelers stranded. Global oil markets have reacted strongly to the instability, especially after Iran threatened to restrict access through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping channel for global oil exports.

Energy analysts estimate that approximately 20% of the world’s oil passes through this narrow waterway, making any disruption there a significant concern for global markets.

International diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions continue, but with limited success. UN Security Council members have called for restraint, while regional powers navigate complex alliances in an increasingly unpredictable environment.

“Claims of this magnitude, regardless of their veracity, further complicate an already dangerous situation,” said Richard Haass, president emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations. “They make diplomatic solutions more difficult to achieve.”