Reports are emerging that former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was killed along with his bodyguards in strikes attributed to Israel and the United States. According to reports Ahmadinejad, who was once regarded as one of Israel’s most bitter adversaries, died in the attack. The attack occurred in the Narmak neighborhood in the eastern sector of Tehran, where Ahmadinejad resided.

Ahmadinejad, who served as Iran’s president from 2005 to 2013 and became internationally known for his confrontational rhetoric toward Israel and the West, had remained a controversial figure in Iranian politics long after leaving office. During his time in office, he was often criticized for his hostile statements toward Israel and for his defiance of Western pressure on Iran’s nuclear program. In the years since his presidency, he made several attempts to return to political life, including registering as a candidate in recent presidential elections, but each time his candidacy was rejected by Iran’s Guardian Council.