Tensions in the Middle East have taken a dramatic turn after a senior Iranian official claimed that a new terrorist attack similar to the September 11 attacks could be planned to blame Iran.
Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, alleged that members connected to the network of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein are plotting a “false flag” operation designed to frame Tehran for a large-scale attack.
Ali Larijani made the claim in a message posted on X, where he warned that the alleged conspiracy could resemble the devastating 9/11 attacks that shook the United States in 2001. The allegation comes at a time when the ongoing confrontation involving Iran, the United States, and Israel continues to escalate across the Middle East.
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. Iran fundamentally opposes such terrorist schemes and has no war with the American people.
— Ali Larijani | علی لاریجانی (@alilarijani_ir) March 15, 2026
US-Israel-Iran War News: Is Another 9/11-Style Attack Being Planned?
Ali Larijani suggested that remnants of Epstein’s network could be preparing a major incident meant to turn global opinion against Iran. In his message, he wrote, “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.”
He further stated that Iran strongly rejects any involvement in terrorist activities. “Iran fundamentally opposes such terrorist schemes and has no war with the American people,” Ali Larijani said.
His comments quickly drew attention online, with analysts noting that the claim reflects the deep distrust and hostility currently shaping relations between Iran and Western countries.
US-Israel-Iran War News: What Could Be the Possible Targets?
Larijani did not specify which locations could be targeted in the alleged plot. However, speculation surrounding the claim has focused on potential high-profile locations in the United States or allied nations.
Security analysts say that any attack designed to resemble the September 11 attacks would likely involve symbolic targets such as major financial centres, government institutions or transport hubs.
The original 9/11 attacks targeted iconic American locations, including the World Trade Centre in New York and the Pentagon near Washington, D.C. Experts say that if such a conspiracy were ever attempted, attackers would likely choose locations capable of generating maximum global attention.
However, there is currently no independent evidence confirming the existence of such a plot.
US-Israel-Iran War News: Why is Iran Mentioning Jeffrey Epstein’s Network?
Iranian officials and state-aligned media have repeatedly highlighted connections between Jeffrey Epstein and several powerful figures in Western political and business circles.
Jeffrey Epstein, a financier who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges, had previously been photographed with numerous high-profile individuals.
Among those mentioned in past reports was Donald Trump, who once referred to Epstein as a “creep” and later distanced himself from the financier.
US-Israel-Iran War News: Who All Are the People Connected to the Epstein Network?
The social circle of Jeffrey Epstein included several influential personalities from politics, business, technology and academia. Over the years, media reports, court documents and flight logs revealed that Epstein interacted with numerous high-profile figures.
Some of the well-known individuals who were reported to have had contact or social connections with Epstein include former US President Donald Trump, former US President Bill Clinton, Britain’s Prince Andrew, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and former Harvard University president Larry Summers.
Investigations and media reports also mentioned Epstein’s interactions with several business executives, politicians and celebrities who attended events, travelled on his private aircraft or appeared in social photographs with him.
However, many of these individuals have stated that their contact with Epstein was limited or purely social. Being mentioned in flight logs, photographs or meeting records does not mean that those individuals were involved in Epstein’s criminal activities.
US-Israel-Iran War News: How is Jeffrey Epstein Connected to All of This?
The allegation made by Ali Larijani directly links Epstein’s alleged network to the possibility of a staged terrorist incident designed to blame Iran.
Ali Larijani’s claim appears to focus on the idea that certain individuals connected to Epstein’s circle could attempt a “false flag” operation that would shift global opinion against Tehran.
Epstein, a financier who faced charges related to sex trafficking before he died in custody in 2019, had built relationships with many influential figures over several decades. These connections have often fueled conspiracy theories and political accusations.
Iranian officials and state-aligned media have previously referenced Epstein’s relationships with members of Western political and business elites while criticising US foreign policy.
However, experts stress that Larijani’s claim remains an allegation without confirmed evidence. Governments and intelligence agencies have not publicly reported any verified plot involving Epstein’s associates or a potential September 11-style operation.
US-Israel-Iran War News: Is There Any Evidence of an Epstein Network Terror Plot?
At present, there is no verified evidence supporting the claim that a network linked to Jeffrey Epstein is planning a terrorist attack similar to the September 11 attacks.
The allegation surfaced after comments made by Iranian security official Ali Larijani on social media. However, no intelligence agency, government authority or international security organisation has confirmed the existence of such a plot.
Officials in the United States have not issued any warning related to the claim, and no public investigation has linked Epstein’s former associates to any planned terrorist activity. Analysts note that such accusations sometimes emerge during periods of heightened geopolitical tension and should be treated cautiously unless supported by credible evidence.
What is a False Flag Attack?
A false flag attack refers to an operation carried out by one group while making it appear as if another group is responsible. Governments and intelligence agencies have historically accused rivals of planning such operations during times of war or political tension.
What Happened During the 9/11 Attack?
The September 11 attacks in 2001 remain one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in modern history. According to official investigations, 19 hijackers linked to the extremist group Al-Qaeda seized four passenger aircraft in the United States.
Two of the planes crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Centre in New York, triggering massive fires and causing both buildings to collapse.
Another aircraft struck the Pentagon, the headquarters of the US military, while the fourth plane crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers attempted to stop the hijackers.
Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the attacks, which reshaped global security policies and triggered the US-led war on terror.
Iran-US-Israel War Intensifies
Larijani’s allegation comes as the war between Iran and its adversaries continues to expand across the region.
Fighting escalated after coordinated attacks targeted Iranian leadership compounds earlier this year. In response, Iran launched missile and drone strikes against Israeli positions and locations connected to US forces across the Middle East.
The conflict has disrupted air travel, trade routes and energy supplies across the region. Several countries have closed parts of their airspace, leaving thousands of travellers stranded.
Global oil markets have also reacted strongly, especially after Iran moved to restrict access through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route used for a large portion of the world’s oil exports.
